How To Grow And Harvest Basil So It Keeps Growing

Erica Groneman + photo

Erica Groneman

Jun 22
2 min read
bubble 0
basil growing in a window pot

Basil is an easy-to-grow go-to herb for many culinary dishes. Let’s talk about how you can maximize your basil crop.

Where to grow

Basil can be grown basically anywhere depending on how big of a crop you want. You can plant basil directly in the ground of a raised or in-ground bed, in a pot on the porch, as part of your Stacking Herb Garden, or in a container on a sunny windowsill. Basil is an excellent addition to any home garden.

Harvesting

Harvest basil by cutting from the top down of the plant. A good rule of thumb is to never cut more than half of a stem at a time, and make your cut right above a pair of leaves, not leaving stem at the top. This encourages new leaf growth, which is what we want with basil. If you harvest your basil correctly you’ll notice the plant becomes more bushy and full, not top heavy or stringy with few leaves.

Discourage flowering and going to seed

Throughout the season try to keep the basil from flowering and going to seed by pinching or cutting off the flowers to keep the energy of the plant on making leaves. When you see a flower starting to emerge, pinch it off. Of course, harvesting your basil regularly will naturally discourage flowering or going to seed.

Preserving

When the temperature gets colder and danger of frost sets in, get ready to dry and preserve your basil crop. To do this, simply clip off any flowers or unsightly leaves or stems then clip the basil at the base of the plant and hang it upside down to dry. (I use thick string or yarn, tying the base together then attaching the other end of the string to where it can hang from). It usually takes about 3-4 weeks to be completely dry. After it is completely dry, take it down, carefully remove the leaves from the stems, crush the leaves (with either a rolling pin or a quick pulse in the blender) and store the crushed leaves in a pint or quart size mason jar. Your fresh dried basil is then ready to use.

Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. How to Grow Restaurant-Style Mung Bean SproutsRestaurant-style mung bean sprouts

    How to Grow Restaurant-Style Mung Bean Sprouts

    Mung beans are one of the most popularly grown sprouts for their taste, texture, and many benefits. You can often find mung bean sprouts garnishing popular Asian cuisines, such as pad Thai, spring rolls, pho, and many other soups, stir-fries, and salad...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-02-03
    3 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Winter Wellness: Embracing Microgreens and Cool Season Vegetablesbaby greens close up

    Winter Wellness: Embracing Microgreens and Cool Season Vegetables

    Written By Lara Wadsworth According to the University of Texas, at least ten million Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder, otherwise known as seasonal depression. As the Holidays have passed and life has returned to normal, it is hard not ...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-02-03
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Restoring the Hamson Tomato Geneticshands transplanting tomatoes

    Restoring the Hamson Tomato Genetics

    If you have grown the Hamson tomato over the last several years, you may have noticed a mix of Roma and round-shaped fruits developing on your plants. This happens as a result of shifts in the genetics. Though tomatoes are actually self-pollinated, ove...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-01-27
    4 min read
    bubble 1
  4. Sprout for Health - Beyond the Challengesprout for health blog header with illustrated green sprouts

    Sprout for Health - Beyond the Challenge

    If you are just completing this challenge, CONGRATULATIONS! You have learned how to grow sprouts, microgreens, wheatgrass, and know a thing or two about the many benefits of these superfoods and more! If you are just learning about this challenge, WELC...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-01-27
    4 min read
    bubble 1