Plant basil from seed or plants to enjoy this delicious herb in cooking

Overview

Gardeners who cook know the importance of fresh basil for a wide variety of recipes. For this reason, basil is a popular herb that occupies a prominent spot in many herb gardens. Whether you choose to grow basil from seed or transplant small plants, basil is not a difficult plant to grow successfully. Grow it both outdoors and in containers indoors for year-round fresh basil.

Plant Basil Seeds

Step 1

Plant basil seeds in a sunny location after all threat of frost has passed. Basil needs an average garden soil or general potting soil. Cover the seeds with 1/4-inch of soil and space the seeds approximately 1 inch apart.

Step 2

Spray the soil with the spray bottle to keep the soil evenly moist.

Step 3

Watch for the seedlings to emerge about one week after planting.

Step 4

Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 6 to 12 inches apart when six leaves have grown on the plants.

Grow Basil Plants

Step 1

Plant basil plants in a sunny location after the last spring frost. Dig a hole slightly larger than the basil plant's root ball.

Step 2

Remove the basil plant from the temporary container and carefully loosen some of the roots from around the edges of the root ball.

Step 3

Place the basil plant in the hole so that it is at the same level that it was in the temporary pot.

Step 4

Refill the hole with dirt and water generously. Press the dirt down firmly around the plant.