Basil

Basil is a tender herb that grows best in warm, sunny conditions, making it ideal for indoor or sheltered growing. Seeds are usually sown indoors from March to April and transplanted outside or into containers from late May to June once the risk of frost has passed. Basil requires full sun (6–8 hours daily) and thrives in rich, well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Plants can be harvested from June to September, often just 4–6 weeks after sowing. Basil should be spaced 20–30 cm apart and regularly pruned by pinching out tips to encourage bushy growth.

It is not frost hardy and is very sensitive to cold, so it is usually grown as an annual. Regular harvesting and removing flowers will help maintain a continuous supply of fresh, flavourful leaves.