Basil 2026

You can fertilize basil plants, and doing so is one of the best ways to keep them lush, fragrant, and productive all season long.   Fertilizing basil plants isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of know-how to avoid common pitfalls.   Many gardeners wonder if they should fertilize basil plants at all, especially … Read more

Yes, you should direct sow basil, and for most gardeners it’s actually the simplest and most reliable way to get a thriving crop going.   Direct sowing basil means planting the seeds straight into your garden soil rather than starting them indoors in trays, and it works beautifully when you time it right.   If … Read more

Should you deadhead basil?   The short answer is yes, you should deadhead basil if you want a steady supply of flavorful leaves all season long.   Deadheading basil means removing the flower buds before they fully open, and it’s one of the simplest ways to keep your plant productive.   When you deadhead basil, … Read more

Should you cut off basil flowers? Yes, you should cut off basil flowers to keep your plant productive and your leaves flavorful.   When you cut off basil flowers, you redirect the plant’s energy back into growing lush, tender leaves instead of seeds.   If you’ve noticed your basil sending up tall stalks with tiny … Read more

Should you allow basil to flower? The short answer is no, you should not allow basil to flower if you want to keep harvesting those delicious, aromatic leaves.   When you allow basil to flower, the plant shifts its energy from producing lush foliage to creating seeds and blooms.   This shift directly impacts the … Read more