Basil 2026

Yes, you absolutely need to wash basil before making pesto.   It’s not just a suggestion, it’s a step you can’t skip if you want your pesto to taste fresh, look vibrant, and stay safe to eat.   When you wash basil before making pesto, you’re removing dirt, tiny insects, and any chemical residue that … Read more

You need to trim basil plant regularly, and it’s one of the most important things you can do for a healthy, bushy harvest.   If you’ve been wondering whether you need to trim basil plant or if you can just let it grow wild, the short answer is a resounding yes.   Trimming basil isn’t … Read more

Yes, you need to thin basil seedlings for the healthiest, most productive plants.   Thinning basil seedlings is one of those gardening tasks that feels a little brutal at first, but it’s absolutely essential if you want strong, bushy basil instead of weak, leggy stems.   When you thin basil seedlings, you’re removing some of … Read more

You don’t need to refrigerate basil, and in fact, doing so is one of the fastest ways to ruin its bright, peppery flavor.   If you’ve ever wondered if you need to refrigerate basil, the simple answer is no, because cold air causes the leaves to bruise, blacken, and lose their aromatic oils.   So, … Read more

Yes, you need to prune basil, and it’s one of the most important things you can do for a healthy, bushy plant.   When you prune basil regularly, you’re not just tidying up, you’re actively encouraging new growth and preventing your plant from becoming leggy and bitter.   If you’ve ever wondered if you need … Read more