Do you water basil every day?

QUESTION: Do you water basil every day? I’m trying to grow it the first time. — Michelle E

ANSWER: Basil is a moisture-loving herb that shouldn’t be permitted to dry out too much between waterings. It should be given at least one inch of water per week, which translates to one deep watering session weekly, but that can vary depending on your climate and circumstances. For example, basil plants that are growing in containers will always need to be watered more frequently than those growing directly in the ground.

If you are growing basil in containers and you live in an especially warm climate, like the American South, you may need to water basil once or twice per day in the summertime. The best way to determine whether it’s time to water your basil plant is to stick a finger into the soil near where the plant is growing to find out whether the soil is still moist or is starting to dry out. As long as it’s still moist, the plant does not need to be watered yet.