Question
I planted sweet basil seeds in a cheap potting soil in a 10" terracotta container indoors in a balcony four weeks back. The seedlings are about 1" now. I had fertilized them with an organic fish emulsion fertilizer once around 2.5 weeks after I planted them. I also check the drainage and watering and do not overwater and do not let the soil dry out. It receives around 6 hours of direct sunlight everyday. I can see a yellow shade at the base of a few leaves. I read about planting basil and found that it needs a nutrient-rich soil. I feel this might be the reason of the yellowness in the leaves. I would like to change the potting soil but not sure how should I go about it. I would be very grateful if you could help.

Answer
Arus:
I doubt you need to change the soil - no potting soil contains fertilizer, that I know of. The yellow leaves are more likely due to overwatering or lack of water. If the leaves are yellow with green veins, then that would indicate a lack of nitrogen.

Also, even 6 hours of "direct" sun will not be enough if it is indoors.

Elyse