Jack Miller

You should soak basil seeds before planting, but only for a short time.   A quick soak of 12 to 24 hours can soften the seed coat and speed up germination.   However, you should not soak them for days on end, as that can cause rot.   So, do you soak basil seeds before … Read more

Yes, you should pinch basil, and it’s one of the best habits you can adopt for a thriving herb garden.   When you pinch basil, you’re not hurting the plant—you’re actually helping it grow bushier, healthier, and more productive.   If you’ve ever wondered whether you pinch basil or just let it grow wild, the … Read more

Yes, you should pick the flowers off basil to keep your plant producing those big, delicious leaves.   If you’ve ever spotted tiny white blossoms forming at the top of your basil stems and wondered, “do you pick the flowers off basil?” the short answer is a resounding yes for most home gardeners.   When … Read more

Yes, you should absolutely put basil in tomato soup, and it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate the entire dish.   If you’ve ever wondered do you put basil in tomato soup to make it taste fresher and more vibrant, the answer is a resounding yes.   Basil and tomato are a classic pairing … Read more

You need to wash fresh basil before using it. It’s a quick step that makes a real difference in both flavor and food safety. Fresh basil straight from the garden or the store can carry dirt, tiny insects, and residues that you definitely don’t want in your pesto or on your Caprese salad. In this … Read more