John M

Basil does turn bitter once it flowers, and that’s a common frustration for many home gardeners.   When basil flowers, the plant’s energy shifts from producing those fragrant, sweet leaves to making seeds, which changes the flavor profile dramatically.   The leaves that were once perfect for pesto or Caprese salads start developing a harsh, … Read more

Basil transplants well when you handle it with care, and it’s a common practice for gardeners of all skill levels. I’ve moved basil plants many times, and I can tell you that basil does transplant well if you time it right and treat the roots gently. Basil transplanting works best when the plant is young, … Read more

Basil does not tolerate cold well at all.   This tender herb is highly sensitive to frost and chilly temperatures, and even a light cold snap can cause serious damage or kill the plant outright.   If you’ve been wondering whether basil tolerates cold, the short answer is no, but there’s a lot more to … Read more

Yes, basil can take over a garden if you let it, but it’s not the aggressive thug that mint is.   Basil tends to take over a garden more through enthusiastic self-seeding and sheer bushy growth than by invasive root systems.   If you’ve ever asked, does basil take over a garden, the answer is … Read more

Basil can survive the winter, but only under the right conditions.   Usually, basil is treated as a tender annual because it simply can’t handle frost or freezing temperatures.   If you’ve ever wondered whether basil will survive the winter in your garden, the answer depends heavily on your climate and how you care for … Read more

Does basil survive outside, and that’s a question many gardeners ask when they’re ready to move their plants from a sunny windowsill to the great outdoors.   The short answer is yes, basil does survive outside, but only if you give it the right conditions to thrive in your garden or in pots on your … Read more