Jack Miller

You do have to replant basil every year because it’s a true annual in most growing zones.   That means the plant completes its entire life cycle in a single season and then dies off, especially when cold weather arrives.   If you’ve been wondering whether you have to replant basil every year or if … Read more

You don’t have to blanch basil for pesto, and honestly, most home cooks skip this step entirely.   When you blanch basil for pesto, you briefly dunk the leaves in boiling water and then shock them in ice water.   It’s a technique that some chefs swear by, but it’s not a mandatory step for … Read more

You don’t have to blanch basil before freezing, but doing so is a game-changer for flavor and color.   If you’ve been wondering whether you have to blanch basil before freezing, the short answer is that it’s optional—but highly recommended.   You can absolutely freeze basil without blanching, and many home cooks do it with … Read more

You should fertilize basil, but only if you do it the right way at the right time.   Basil is a hungry herb, but it’s also a delicate one that can suffer if you fertilize basil too aggressively.   The key to success is understanding that you do fertilize basil for leaf growth, not for … Read more

Yes, you can cut the flowers off basil plants, and it’s actually one of the best things you can do for a thriving harvest.   When you cut the flowers off basil plants, you’re redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production back into growing those delicious, aromatic leaves you love.   If you’ve ever let … Read more