herb
Basil
A tender annual that gives more the more you cut it — and bolts the moment you stop.
Growing
Basil wants warmth more than anything. Below about 10°C the leaves blacken. A sunny windowsill indoors beats a cold patio outdoors.
Harvesting
Pinch out the top pair of leaves every week from when the plant has four pairs. Every pinch turns one stem into two. Flower buds mean the plant is switching to seed and the leaves turn bitter — remove them on sight.
Using
Add at the end of cooking; the aromatic oils are volatile. Tear rather than chop for salads.