How to Harvest a Basil Crop

Having your own garden can be a great way to add fresh herbs to your food. Basil is not a hard herb to grow yourself, but you have to know how to harvest it properly.

Instructions

Step 1

Basil is ready to be harvested when the plants are mature. A mature basil plant is approximately 1 to 2 feet tall.

Step 2

Harvest sprays of basil leaves by cutting the stems of the plant just above two new sprouting branches. This is will promote re-growth of that stem.

Step 3

Pinch off the flower buds to extend the harvesting of the plant.

Step 4

Make sure to regularly fertilize the basil plant to promote new growth of the leaves.

Step 5

Place the newly cut basil leaves in a vase of water to keep them fresh until you use them.