Basil 2026

Fennel and basil go together beautifully, and this pairing is a match made in culinary heaven.   If you’ve been wondering whether fennel and basil go together in your cooking, the short answer is a resounding yes.   Fennel and basil go together because their flavors complement each other in ways that elevate both sweet … Read more

Dried basil leaves do go bad, but they have a remarkably long shelf life compared to fresh herbs.   When stored properly, your dried basil leaves can easily last for two to three years, though their potency will definitely fade over time.   The real question isn’t just if dried basil leaves go bad, but … Read more

Earwigs do eat basil leaves, and they can be surprisingly destructive little pests in your herb garden.   If you’ve noticed jagged holes or irregular notches chewed right through your basil’s tender leaves, earwigs are often the culprits behind the damage.   These nocturnal insects hide during the day in cool, damp spots and come … Read more

Dried basil leaves do expire, but they don’t really go bad in the way fresh herbs do.   Instead, dried basil leaves expire in the sense that they lose their flavor, color, and aroma over time.   If you’ve ever opened an old jar of dried basil and noticed it smells like nothing, that’s a … Read more

Do deer like basil plants?   The short answer is no, deer generally do not like basil plants, and this makes basil a fantastic addition to any garden that deals with frequent deer visits.   While deer are notorious for munching on almost anything green, basil’s strong aromatic oils and pungent scent are natural deterrents … Read more