Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow at home. It’s easy, smells amazing, and makes every meal taste better.
But if your basil isn’t looking as lush and vibrant as you hoped, you’re probably making one of the most common mistakes.
Here’s Why Most People Get Basil All Wrong
Most people treat basil like a plant-it-and-forget-it kind of herb, but here’s the truth: basil has a few quirks that can make or break your harvest. If your basil is struggling, turning yellow, or bolting too soon, chances are you’re doing one of these things wrong—but don’t worry, it’s an easy fix!
1. Pinching It the Wrong Way (or Not At All!)
One of the biggest mistakes people make when growing basil?
Not pruning it early enough. If you’re just plucking leaves here and there instead of pinching the right spots, you’re actually stopping your basil from growing bigger.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Pinch from the top, not the bottom.
When your basil plant is about 6 inches tall, snip off the topmost leaves right above a pair of lower leaves. This encourages the plant to grow bushier instead of tall and spindly.
✔️ Never let basil flower (unless you want seeds).
Once basil starts flowering, the leaves lose their flavor. If you see buds forming, pinch them off immediately to keep the plant producing tasty leaves.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
Basil is a little picky when it comes to water—it doesn’t like wet feet, but it also won’t tolerate bone-dry soil.
The trick is finding that perfect balance.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Water deeply, but don’t let it sit in soggy soil.
Basil likes moist, well-draining soil, so water when the top inch feels dry.
✔️ Morning watering is best.
This gives the plant time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day kicks in.
✔️ If it’s in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.
No one likes a soggy bottom, especially basil!
3. Planting It in the Wrong Spot
Basil loves the sun, and if it’s not getting enough light, it’s going to be leggy, weak, and less flavorful. But too much blazing heat can also cause stress.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Give it at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
If it’s inside, put it in a bright window (south-facing is best) or under a grow light.
✔️ If it’s outside, give it a little afternoon shade in really hot climates.
Too much scorching sun can cause basil to wilt.
4. Growing Basil Alone (It Needs Friends!)
Basil thrives when planted near certain veggies and herbs—but struggles next to the wrong ones.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Plant it near tomatoes and peppers.
They help each other out, plus basil makes tomatoes taste even better!
✔️ Avoid planting it near sage or rosemary.
These herbs prefer drier conditions, while basil likes a bit more moisture.
5. Using the Wrong Soil
Basil isn’t too fussy, but it does have a preference when it comes to soil. Too much clay and it holds too much water, while sandy soil dries out too fast.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Use well-draining soil with compost mixed in.
This keeps the soil moist without drowning the roots.
✔️ If planting in pots, go for a lightweight potting mix.
Mix is the word you’re looking for when growing in containers. Garden soil is too heavy and can lead to root rot.
6. Harvesting Too Late
Waiting too long to start picking basil leaves can lead to a tall, lanky plant that flowers too soon.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Start harvesting early.
As soon as the plant has a good number of leaves, start snipping!
✔️ Regularly take cuttings from the top.
This encourages more growth and keeps your plant producing longer.
7. Ignoring the End of Season Game Plan
Basil is an annual, which means it won’t last forever. If you want basil all year, you’ll need a plan.
What to Do Instead:
✔️ Before the first frost, take cuttings and root them in water.
This way, you can keep basil growing indoors through the winter.
✔️ Dry or freeze extra basil.
Chop it up and freeze it in ice cube trays with olive oil or butter (I like to freeze mine in real butter) for easy use in recipes.
Get Basil Right and It’ll Keep Producing for Months!
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow—as long as you know what not to do. Give it plenty of light, the right amount of water, and don’t be afraid to pinch it back, and you’ll have fresh, flavorful basil all season long.
Try these simple fixes, and you’ll never have sad basil again! 🌿💚
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