The best time to pick basil leaves from the plant is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets intense.   This is the sweet spot when the essential oils that give basil its incredible flavor and aroma are at their peak concentration.   If you’re wondering about picking … Read more

When to pick basil from your garden really comes down to a few simple signs, and the short answer is that you should start harvesting as soon as the plant has at least three or four sets of true leaves.   I know it’s tempting to wait for those big, dramatic leaves you see at … Read more

You should pick basil from your plant when the leaves are young, tender, and full of flavor, typically before the plant starts to flower.   Timing your harvest right is the secret to getting the most out of your basil plant, whether you’re growing it in a sunny windowsill, a raised garden bed, or a … Read more

The best time to pick basil for drying is just before the plant flowers, usually in the morning after the dew has dried. This is the sweet spot when the leaves hold the highest concentration of essential oils, which means you’ll get the most flavor and aroma in your dried stash. If you’re wondering when … Read more

You should move basil indoors when nighttime temperatures start dipping below 50°F (10°C), as this tender herb simply cannot handle the cold.   Moving basil indoors is the smartest way to keep enjoying fresh leaves well past the growing season, and it’s a straightforward process once you know the right signals.   If you’ve been … Read more

You should move basil seedlings to a bigger pot when they have two to three sets of true leaves, which usually happens about three to four weeks after germination.   This is the perfect time to transplant basil seedlings because their roots are just starting to fill the small starter container, but they haven’t become … Read more