If you provide a few key growing conditions, basil is one of the least picky plants around. The biggest things this fast-growing herb needs are full sun, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and deep watering (as long as the soil doesn’t get soggy). Water basil whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Use mulch to regulate the soil and suppress weeds.

You should watch for aphids on indoor basil plants, and slugs or Japanese beetles on outdoor plants. Drive them off with appropriate pesticides or a homemade mix of water and dish soap. Fruit flies and root rot indicate soil overwatering. Common diseases are downy mildew, impatiens necrotic spot virus, gray mold and fusarium wilt. Overcrowding increases the risk of these diseases.

Indoor basil starting is the best way to extend the growing season of this cold-sensitive plant. Sow seeds in trays or pots of seed-starting mix 6-8 weeks before the final spring frost. Keep the tray in a warm, sunny area (or use grow lights) and water regularly. Basil is ready to transplant when the seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves. You can also propagate basil from healthy 4-6 inch stems. Remove the bottom leaves, place the stem in a glass of water for 1-2 weeks and transplant the cutting to a container once the roots develop.

As a warm-season plant, basil germinates and grows best when nighttime temperatures remain about 50 degrees. Depending on the variety, space plants 12-18 inches apart and rows 18-24 inches apart for air circulation. Choose a full-sun location except in the hottest areas; there, pick a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Basil does just as well in containers and raised beds as in the ground. Use large, deep and well-draining pots, especially if planting multiple basil plants per container.

Frequent fertilization spurs a larger, more productive plant with continuous growth. Add an all-purpose fertilizer to in-ground and container soil when planting (unless your potting soil is premixed). Then feed your basil every 2-3 weeks, diluting the fertilizer to half-strength. Using full-strength fertilizer is more likely to cause over-fertilization, which damages the roots and hurts the flavor. Signs of over-fertilization include stunted growth, wilting, leaf discoloring and a white soil crust. If you want to grow basil organically, use compost or blood meal.

Some basil varieties are perennials, but they won’t survive even the slightest hint of frost. In mild climates, you may be able to keep basil in the ground over the winter with the help of mulch and frost blankets. Otherwise, your only winterizing option is growing basil indoors, whether with existing container plants or transplanting.

Pruning basil plants encourages leaf production and gives them a bushier appearance. By cutting or pinching stems above the leaf nodes, the plant will produce more branches. Do pruning every 2-3 weeks, increasing the frequency if the plant starts to flower.

As a "cut and come again" plant, regular basil harvesting will maximize your yield. Most varieties are ready to start harvesting once they reach 6-8 inches in height. Pinch leaves off at the base or cut full stems using sterile shears. Basil can be used fresh or dried and stored in an airtight container.