John M

Japanese beetles do not like basil, and planting basil around your garden is one of the smartest natural deterrents you can use.   If you’ve been dealing with those metallic green pests munching on your roses or bean plants, adding basil to the mix is a clever, aromatic way to send them packing.   While … Read more

Jade plants don’t particularly like basil, but they can absolutely coexist in the same home.   When you’re asking if jade plants like basil as a companion, the answer is that they don’t need each other, but they won’t hurt each other either.   Jade plants are succulents that thrive on neglect, while basil is … Read more

Insects like basil, and that’s both a blessing and a challenge for gardeners. If you’ve ever stepped outside to snip a few fragrant leaves, only to discover holes chewed through them or tiny bugs scurrying away, you already know the truth firsthand. Basil’s aromatic oils and lush green foliage are irresistible to a wide range … Read more

Do hornworms eat basil? Yes, hornworms eat basil, and they can absolutely devastate your basil plants in a surprisingly short amount of time. If you’ve ever stepped into your garden and found your basil plants stripped bare, with large, dark green droppings left behind, you’ve likely met the tomato hornworm. These large caterpillars are voracious … Read more

Hummingbirds do like basil flowers, especially when those flowers are allowed to bolt and bloom.   If you’ve been wondering whether hummingbirds like basil flowers, the answer is a definite yes, but there’s a catch.   Basil flowers aren’t the flashy, trumpet-shaped blooms that hummingbirds usually seek out, but they are still a valuable nectar … Read more

Guinea pigs can eat basil, and it’s a wonderfully safe and tasty treat for them when offered correctly.   If you’ve been wondering whether guinea pigs like basil, the answer is a resounding yes, most of them absolutely do.   Basil is packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that guinea pigs cannot produce on … Read more