Basil 2026

Basil absolutely needs plant food to grow at its best, especially when you’re growing it in containers.   While basil can survive in plain garden soil, giving it plant food makes a massive difference in how lush, fragrant, and productive your plants become.   If you’ve been wondering whether basil needs plant food or if … Read more

Basil does need shade, but only during the hottest part of the day. The idea that basil needs shade isn’t about keeping it in the dark, because this herb absolutely craves plenty of bright light. You need to remember that basil needs shade primarily to protect it from intense afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. … Read more

Basil does need refrigeration, but only under specific conditions.   If you just toss fresh basil into the fridge without any prep, you’ll end up with sad, wilted, blackened leaves in a day or two.   That said, the question of whether basil needs refrigeration isn’t a simple yes or no, because it depends on … Read more

Yes, basil needs nitrogen to grow lush, healthy, and flavorful.   Nitrogen is the single most important nutrient for basil because it fuels leafy green growth, which is exactly what you’re after when you’re harvesting those fragrant leaves.   If you’ve been wondering whether basil needs nitrogen in your garden or pots, the short answer … Read more

Basil does need humidity, but it’s a delicate balance that many gardeners get wrong.   Too much humidity can lead to fungal diseases like downy mildew, while too little can cause your basil leaves to wilt and lose their vibrant flavor.   The truth is basil thrives best in moderate to high humidity, ideally between … Read more