How to Keep Basil Alive Indoors

Basil is a common herb in many home gardens, and its tangy leaves can flavor your cooking year-round. Although the plant prefers a hot, moist climate, it is possible for you to keep your potted basil plant alive indoors during the winter months. If you ensure the plant has at least six hours of light each day and plenty of water, your basil plant should survive the winter indoors.

Potted basil plant
Soil pH testing kit
Fertilizer (optional)
Potting soil (optional)
Saucer for plant pot
South-facing window
Fluorescent or high-intensity discharge light (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Test the pH of the soil in your basil plant's pot when the dirt is moist but not wet. Basil thrives in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If your soil does not fall within this range, replace some of the soil with potting mix or apply an organic fertilizer.
- 2
  Place your basil plant in a south-facing window. Basil needs six full hours of sunlight per day, so you may have to adjust the plant's placement to follow the light over the course of the day.
- 3
  Supplement the plant's light supply with a fluorescent light or a high-intensity discharge light. The plant needs approximately double the number of hours of artificial light than it would require with true sunlight. If you plan to use only artificial light, the plant will need 12 to 13 hours of exposure each day, so plan accordingly.
- 4
  Water the plant when the top inch of soil has dried out. The soil deeper than one inch from the surface should remain moist. Do not over water, and make sure the extra water can drain from the bottom of the pot. Place a saucer underneath the plant to ensure the overflow does not spill onto your floor or furniture.
- 5
  Ensure that the temperature remains between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growing.

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