John M

You should wash basil before freezing, but the key is to dry it completely before it goes into the freezer.   If you’re wondering, “do you wash basil before freezing?” the answer is a big yes, because skipping this step means you’ll be freezing dirt, grit, and possibly tiny bugs along with those beautiful leaves. … Read more

You should wash basil after picking, and it’s a step you definitely don’t want to skip if you want clean, fresh-tasting leaves.   Washing basil after picking is important because it removes dirt, tiny insects, and any residue that might be clinging to the leaves from the garden.   But there’s a right way and … Read more

You can absolutely use the stems of basil for pesto, and doing so is a fantastic way to reduce waste and add a subtle, peppery kick to your sauce.   Many home cooks toss the stems away, but they hold just as much aromatic flavor as the leaves, if not more concentrated in some ways. … Read more

Yes, you should trim basil flowers to keep your plant producing delicious, tender leaves for as long as possible.   When you trim basil flowers, you’re signaling to the plant to focus its energy on growing new foliage instead of setting seeds.   If you’ve been wondering whether you trim basil flowers or just let … Read more

Do you thin basil seedlings is a great question for any gardener starting their own herbs from seed.   Yes, you should definitely thin basil seedlings to give them the best chance of growing into strong, bushy plants.   I know it feels a little harsh to pull up tiny plants you’ve carefully nurtured, but … Read more

You should soak basil seeds before planting, and here’s why it makes all the difference.   If you’ve been wondering whether to soak basil seeds before planting, the short answer is yes, soaking is a simple step that boosts germination rates and gets your basil off to a faster, healthier start.   When you soak … Read more