You should wash basil before storing, but only if you do it the right way and dry it thoroughly first. The short answer is that washing basil before storing can actually help it last longer when handled correctly, even though many people warn against it. However, washing basil before storing without proper drying … Read more
Yes, you should absolutely use basil stems in pesto, and they can actually enhance your sauce in ways you might not expect. Most home cooks toss those fibrous stems straight into the compost bin, but that’s a wasted opportunity for extra flavor and texture. I’m here to show you why basil stems belong in your … Read more
You should trim basil when it flowers to keep the leaves flavorful, and the decision to trim basil when it flowers is one of the most important tasks for any gardener. When basil flowers, the plant shifts its energy from producing those lush, aromatic leaves to creating seeds, which changes the taste and texture of … Read more
You should trim basil plant regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. When you trim basil plant stems just above a pair of leaves, you’re signaling the plant to send out new shoots from that point. This simple practice turns a single, spindly stem into a fuller, more productive … Read more
Should you top basil plants? Yes, you should top basil plants because this simple pruning technique encourages bushier growth, prevents early flowering, and gives you a bigger harvest. Topping basil plants is one of the best habits you can develop as a gardener, especially if you love having fresh basil on hand all … Read more
Yes, you should thin basil seedlings for the healthiest and most productive plants. Thinning basil seedlings is one of the most important steps you can take after those tiny seeds sprout, and it’s a step many new gardeners skip. When you thin basil seedlings, you’re essentially giving your strongest plants the room they … Read more