Basil
Basil is very much a summer herb, it needs the sun to grow lush, flavoursome leaves. Growing the plants indoors, on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, also really helps to keep the leaves tender.
Ocimum basilicum
Annual
Grow Keep plants watered but avoid splashing the leaves and try to water in the morning so that the roots aren’t left in wet compost overnight. Basil plants like plenty of sun and do best when grown indoors on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse. Harvest six to eight weeks from sowing. Pick the young shoots by pinching them out just above a pair of leaves.
Sow In small pots or modules of good peat-free seed compost from mid-spring. Just cover the seed with a fine layer of sieved compost. Regular sowings every three or four weeks ensures a constant supply through the summer. Pot on carefully when the seedlings are big enough to handle.
Uses Basil and tomatoes are a wonderful combination – just add a little salt and some good olive oil for a great summer salad. It’s also essential for making a classic pesto.