Looking for tips on how to care for a potted basil plant? Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to growing herbs indoors, basil is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to keep in your kitchen. At Caney Fork Farms, we love sharing fresh, seasonal surprises in our CSA farm shares - and this week, that includes a potted basil plant ready to thrive on your windowsill.
One of the best parts about joining our Veggie CSA is that you never know what you’ll find in your share. Maybe it’s a jar of raw honey from our hives, Scarlet Red Dryland Rice from our farmer friends, or a basil plant you can keep growing long after the week’s veggies are gone. These seasonal extras are our way of connecting you to the rhythms of the farm, even when you’re cooking at home.
Here’s everything you need to know about growing basil indoors and keeping your plant healthy and productive.
🌿 5 Easy Basil Plant Care Tips
1. Give Your Basil Plant Plenty of Sunlight
Basil thrives in bright, direct sunlight. For best results, place your potted basil plant near a sunny, south-facing window where it can get 6 to 8 hours of light each day. No sunny window? A small grow light can do the trick.
2. Water Consistently, but Don’t Overdo It
A healthy basil plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. Stick your finger into the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Be sure your pot has drainage holes to avoid root rot.
3. Pinch for Bushier Growth
To encourage your basil to grow full and leafy, pinch off the top set of leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall. Regular pruning helps your plant stay compact and productive, giving you more herbs over time.
4. Harvest Basil Leaves the Right Way
When harvesting, take a few leaves from each stem instead of cutting one stem all the way down. This keeps the plant balanced and healthy. Avoid picking the very bottom leaves, which help with photosynthesis and overall growth.
5. Prevent Flowering
If you see your basil starting to flower, pinch off those buds right away. Flowering signals the end of the basil’s life cycle and can make the leaves taste bitter.
Why We Tucked a Basil Plant Into Your CSA Share
At Caney Fork Farms, we believe fresh herbs are more than just a garnish. They’re a way to bring the farm into your everyday life. Our Veggie CSA is all about seasonal variety and surprise. From flavorful greens to pantry staples, we aim to fill your share with items that nourish, inspire, and sometimes even grow with you.
Not a CSA member yet? Learn more about our Veggie CSA program and discover the joy of farm-fresh food, delivered with care. You never know what special ingredient might show up next - like a potted basil plant, perfect for brightening your kitchen and your cooking.
