How do you grow basil?

Grow basil by starting the plants indoors, placing the plants in good location. Use the right kind of soil, give them plenty of room to grow, water the plants regularly, mulch the plants when necessary, pinch off the flowering heads and pick the leaves when they're ready.

1. Start growing the plants indoors

   Because basil grows best in warm weather, leave your seedlings indoors until well after the first frost. Before transferring the plants outdoors, make sure the soil is at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the plants in a good location

   Place the plants in a location where they receive at least six hours of full sun per day.

3. Use the right kind of soil

   Use soil that is well-drained and loamy for the best results.

4. Plant the basil

   Plant the basil seedlings in a 1/4-inch hole. If you are planting more than one seedling, place each one at least 12 inches apart so that the plants have plenty of room to grow.

5. Water the plants regularly

   Water the basil plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil needs to remain moist.

6. Mulch the plants

   Mulch the plants if you live in an area with hot summers in order to keep the roots and soil moist.

7. Pinch off the flowers

   Pinch off any flowering heads as soon as you see them. This helps to prolong the harvest of the plant.

8. Harvest the leaves

   Harvest the leaves regularly. This helps the plant to grow throughout the season.