Basil
A warm‑loving herb that likes a sunny, sheltered place or a bright windowsill indoors. It doesn’t like cold drafts or soggy soil.
Things to look out for
- Keep away from cold drafts; basil hates the cold
- If leaves get patchy or fuzzy, give plants more space and fresh air
- Do not overwater; let the top of the soil dry a little before watering again
What to sow
Sow indoors in small pots on a warm, sunny windowsill. Cover seeds lightly and keep warm and bright.
UK window: Mar–Jun (indoors)
What to plant out
Move seedlings to a bigger pot when they have a few real leaves. Only put outside when nights are warm.
UK window: May–Jun (after frost / warm nights)
How to care
Water the soil, not the leaves. Let the top of the soil dry a little before watering again. Pinch off the tip of the plant to make it grow bushy. Pick a little and often.
When to harvest
Pick leaves often once the plant is growing well, but don’t take more than a third at once.
UK window: Jun–Sep