How to Take Care of Basil Plants

Fill a planting pot or container with a regular garden soil mixture. Place the basil seeds on the soil's surface and press with your thumb until the seed is about ¼ inch below the surface. Do not bury the seeds any lower, or they will not get the required light and heat. Sow the seeds inside about six weeks before the last projected frost.

Space seeds at least 10 inches apart to allow for proper growth space. Sprinkle water on the seeds until the soil is moist at least 6 inches deep; do not spray water onto the seeds, as heavy streams of water can dislodge the seeds.

Place the container or pot in an area of the home where it can receive at least six hours of full sunlight each day. If you cannot provide this, plant the basil outside or use fluorescent grow lights to provide this requisite heat and light. Basil grows best in full, direct sun.

Water the basil plant as needed to keep the soil moist but not damp. The seed will begin to germinate after five to 10 days, depending on growing conditions. The plants will be ready for harvest within six to eight weeks.