Does basil grow well inside during the winter?

**Iansmommy** · 09-04-2008, 01:15 PM

I made pesto today with the basil and parsley that I was growing outside. Oh my, I think I may of just found my new favorite food.

I was wonder if anyone grows basil inside during the winter and how it does? I am freezing some of the pesto but would like to make more in the winter months

**Durgan** · 09-04-2008, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by Iansmommy

I
I was wonder if anyone grows basil inside during the winter and how it does? I am freezing some of the pesto but would like to make more in the winter months

I always grow it outside, and it thrives, but I know people grow it indoors and, apparently it does well presenting similar conditions to outside- light, warmth, moisture, soil.

**Darlene** · 09-04-2008, 04:27 PM

I haven't had good luck with growing it indoors. Parsley does however grow well for me. You can buy basil in the market and add parsley to it for a nice pesto in the colder months.
I freeze pesto it in ice cube trays and transfer them into a freezer bag. It's so neat to take out a couple cubes & add it to 1/2lb pasta in the winter. Tastes like you just made it. hth.

**monkeywrangler71** · 09-04-2008, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by Durgan

I always grow it outside, and it thrives, but I know people grow it indoors and, apparently it does well presenting similar conditions to outside- light, warmth, moisture, soil.

I can't even grow it outside. Everyone else seems to have it going like a weed. What kind of conditions does it prefer?

**Iansmommy** · 09-05-2008, 05:03 PM

I grow mine in a large pot on our deck. It seems to like the heat and now that it is getting colder at night (it was 36 degrees a few days ago when I woke up) some of the leaves are starting look almost burnt.

This is the first year I have had any luck growing it. I water it every couple of days and put it in direct sunlight. I fertilize it about once a month with a regular garden fertilizer.