WHEN TO PLANT BASIL

• To get a jump on the season, start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.)
  
• To plant outside, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C)—preferably around 70ºF (21°C) for best growth. Nighttime temperatures shouldn’t drop below 50°F (10°C).
  
• Don’t rush basil. Without heat, the plant won’t grow well.
  

CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE

• Basil will grow best in a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily, though it can perform well in partial sun, too.
  
• Soil should be moist but well-drained.
  
• Basil works great in containers or raised beds, as these allow for better drainage.
  
• If you’re planning on cooking with these plants, plant in clean soil, don’t use insecticides, and grow them away from driveways and busy streets so that exhaust won’t settle on the plants.
  

HOW TO PLANT BASIL

• Plant seeds/seedlings about ¼-inch deep and 10 to 12 inches apart. They should grow to about 12 to 24 inches in height.
  
• For larger varieties, plant farther apart (about 16 to 24 inches).
• Tomatoes make great neighbors for basil plants in the garden—and on the plate!