How to Plant a Basil Bush

Choose to grow your basil bush inside or outside. The bush only requires 3 to 4 hours of daily sunlight in a warm climate, or at least 6 to 8 hours in a cold environment.

Use a high quality, rich soil to plant the basil. Remove any weeds, and add compost to the soil. Water the soil the day before you plan to plant the basil. If you're growing the basil in a pot, use the largest possible container.

Plant the seeds in warm soil (between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Spread the basil seeds lightly, and cover them with a minimal amount of soil or compost--only about ¼ of an inch.

Add a small amount of water to the seeds. Keep the soil moist, and after a week, you will notice small basil plants growing.

Thin the bushes by pulling up the weakest plants, ensuring that 10 inches of space remains between the plants.

Spread fertilizer over the basil bush plants. You need to add fertilizer once a month. A potted basil plant requires fertilizer designed for vegetables and herb plants. Outdoor basil plants will require mulch to kill weeds and to help retain the water.

Water the plants weekly. If you notice dry soil, you will need to water the plants more than once a week, but do not overwater.

Take care of the basil bush. Prune the flower buds off to allow new growth. Pinch the buds off with your fingers.

Harvest the basil leaves by pinching them from the top of the bush. Continue to harvest the plant to encourage new growth.