Caitlin Havener on MSN

When and how to harvest fresh basil

There's something quietly satisfying about growing your own basil. You start with a small seedling on a windowsill or tucked ...
Harvest basil when the plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall and has at least four sets of leaves. "You can also harvest throughout the growing season, ideally before the plant flowers," says Sally McCabe, ...
Basil is an annual, so knowing when to harvest it before it perishes is tricky. July, it turns out, could be the month to circle on your gardening calendar.
For me, there’s a similarity between cooking with herbs and looking at art or listening to loud, fun music. Without those things, life is dull. Imagine your world with white walls, quiet rooms and ...
Regularly harvesting basil helps the plant stay bushy, healthy, and productive for a longer growing season. Pick leaves by gently pinching from the top down, which encourages fuller growth and ...
Basil is easily the most popular herb grown in our gardens. With its delicious, distinctive flavor, basil makes the perfect garnish for Italian-style dishes and is a main ingredient in pesto. Growing ...