Many cooks like to grow basil indoors. It’s convenient, not to mention extra fresh and more flavorful than dried basil and even “fresh” basil purchased from the market. Fortunately, basil is an easy plant to grow in your kitchen, provided it receives enough water and light. Another wonderful thing about growing your own basil is that you are not limited to the varieties available at your local market. When you grow basil indoors from seed, your options are many. In fact, there are over 160 varieties of basil available. It’s a great way to experiment with different varieties with only the small investment of a packet of seeds.

If you decide to grow basil indoors in a pot on your windowsill, be sure that the plant will get at least 5-6 hours of light. More is better, especially if you are growing the basil in the winter. If you cannot provide adequate sunlight, you will need to supplement with grow lights. Believe me, you will not have a happy, healthy basil plant if it does not get enough light. It will be spindly, yellow, and will have stunted growth.

When you grow basil indoors, another thing you need to consider is soil, especially if you are growing it from seed. Use a good quality garden soil available at home improvement and gardening stores. Plant the seeds at a depth of one quarter inch and cover with soil. Seedlings will emerge in about a week.

Water is also important. Be sure than your basil plant does not dry out. Keep the soil most but do not saturate it. Fertilize every couple of weeks with a liquid fertilizer when you water. Herbs love fish emulsion. Basil, and other herbs as well, are very hardy plants and don’t require heavy fertilization.

Should you choose to grow basil indoors using a hydroponic system, you will not have to worry about light since your plants will receive their light from grow lights. The only thing you will have to do is maintain the water level in the unit and feed liquid mineral nutrients every two weeks. This method is quite easy and has remarkable results. Since I do not get enough hours of light in my kitchen, I use a hydroponic system. It’s absolutely wonderful!

Whether you grow your basil indoors using soil or a hydroponic system, you will need to thin your plants after they develop a few leaves. They should be spaced six inches apart for maximum health. When the plants are about six inches high, pinch off the tops to encourage bushy growth and discourage leggy growth. Harvest your basil after it starts to leaf out. This will not damage the basil as long as you do not remove more than one third of the plant at a time. Not only will you have fresh basil on a regular basis, but thinning will encourage healthy, new growth.

When you grow basil indoors, you will have immediate access to fresh, delicious, home grown goodness. I encourage you to buy a pack of seeds and give it a try. You won’t be sorry once you taste your first homemade pesto made from your very own basil.

Take a gander at this delicious caprese sandwich using fresh basil from my indoor herb garden. Learn more about  how to grow basil here.