Gardener holding a tray of basil seedlings ready for planting - Zbynek Pospisil/Getty Images For pesto lovers and those who adore Mediterranean dishes, basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of those ...

Basil is a tender annual herb that thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. Regular pruning and pinching encourages bushier growth and a continuous harvest throughout the summer.

As an occasionally distracted deck-gardener, the one plant I must have in abundance is basil. This hardy annual is my favorite herb and once the sun is out for good in the heart of New England, I keep ...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... One of the many pleasures and essences of the outdoor growing season is basil. What other edible herb breathes so much flavor and summer sunshine into a dish ...