If you give your basil the perfect home, it’ll reward you with a massive harvest! This herb can be a little bit of a diva, though, so there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here’s the lowdown on keeping your basil happy.
The Best Spot Indoors
This flavorful kitchen staple originally hails from the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, where it grows in total bliss. To get it to thrive in our homes, we have to recreate those cozy conditions.
A bright spot is a must-have, but be careful—basil actually isn’t a huge fan of that scorching midday heat. A kitchen windowsill is usually the perfect home, as long as it’s not a direct south-facing window. Your plant needs about 6 hours of sunlight a day to really pop.
Keep an eye on the temperature , too. It needs to stay at least 55°F (12°C). Anything colder and the plant starts to pout, often resulting in yellow leaves or making it more prone to diseases . Ideally, you want to keep it at 70°F or warmer. Also, basil absolutely hates drafts! If you’re going to air out the kitchen, move your plant away from the window for a bit so it doesn’t catch a chill.
Moving Outdoors
Basil also does great in a garden bed or a greenhouse. To make sure it doesn’t get fried by the sun, try planting it at the “feet” of your tomato plants. The tomatoes act like a natural umbrella, providing just the right amount of shade. Plus, make sure the spot is sheltered from the wind. Strong gusts can tatter the delicate leaves and drop the temperature too quickly. A pot placed against a house wall is another great option, though maybe avoid a south-facing wall if it gets too intensely hot.
Feeding and Watering
Basil is what we gardeners call a “heavy feeder.” This means that for such a small plant, it needs a lot of nutrients and water. When you first plant it, it’s a smart move to mix in some slow-release fertilizer (like horn meal). After that, you can keep it fueled up with an organic fertilizer every two to three weeks.
When it comes to watering , consistency is key. Basil never wants to dry out completely, but it also hates having “wet feet” (sitting in standing water). It takes a little bit of a green thumb to get it just right! Always check if the top of the soil feels dry before adding more. Pro tip: try to water from the bottom. If water gets on the leaves and the sun hits them, they can actually get sunburned.
Good Neighbors, Bad Neighbors
Basil doesn’t play well with everyone. It’s best to keep it away from savory, dill, chervil, and marjoram. On the flip side, planting it near cucumbers and tomatoes can actually help your basil grow even better!
Quick Tip: If you’re having a particularly rainy summer, basil can struggle outdoors. If possible, move it into a greenhouse or under a porch roof to keep it from getting waterlogged.