How to Grow Basil in 1/2 Inch of Water

Punch holes in the bottom and 2 inches up on the sides of one yogurt container. Also cut a hole in the center of one lid, using a knife or sharp scissors.

Mix the perlite and vermiculite together. Pour the soilless medium into the container with holes, within an inch of the top. Wear a breathing mask and mix outside, as it is a dusty task.

Place the container with holes inside the other yogurt container, or the water reservoir. Fill with water to cover the soilless medium. Allow to sit for at least an hour to get thoroughly wet.

Select one or two sprigs of basil with long stems. Trim to 8 inches long, with a junction of leaves just above the stems' bottoms. Pinch off the leaves, leaving only a crown at the top of the sprigs. Insert the stems through the hole in the yogurt lid.

Lift the inner container with the medium out of the reservoir. Make a hole in the center of the medium, using your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon.

Insert the basil stems into the medium. Seal the lid and shake the container gently from side to side so the wet medium surrounds the basil stems.

Pour an inch of water into the reservoir and reinsert the inner container with the basil stems. Place in a warm and brightly lit location. Check the water every day, making sure the water is an inch deep, making it a half-inch deep in the inner container.

Dilute hydroponic fertilizer in water according to the manufacturer's directions. Add to the water in the reservoir once a week once the basil is growing actively.

Harvest the basil by snipping off fresh leaves as needed.