I just bought a basil plant, had a couple of questions.

[applecrisp]

I bought a small basil plant today --- worth a shot for $2.49. It didn't have an instruction tag. Do I just put on windowsill (bright side, southern exposure), and water when dry. Remove the leaves at the stem/node (oh what the heck is that called).

I wonder how the plant will last? I needed some basil for one of my favorite summer recipes, so I went for a plant this time.

I made this tonight --- love it. Here'e Elisabeth13's recipe and her comments. I can eat bowls of this. Even great sans pasta.

Summer Tomato Pasta
________________________________________
I've just dug out this favorite in the last couple weeks as we have fresh basil coming up in the garden, and tomatoes are starting to look good at the co-op...I was hesitant to share on here because I'm sure it's very similar to summer recipes that many of you already make...but I just had this for lunch again today, and it's so darn good, I figured I might as well post it. The lemon zest really makes it stand out, IMO.
usually splash in a bit more vinegar, I think it will definitely be good with regular-sized tomatoes...I make it that way sometimes, so I can vouch for it!

Summer Tomato Pasta

1 pound penne pasta (or other thick, tubular variety)
1 pound grape or cherry tomatoes
10 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
zest and juice from 1 lemon
15 basil leaves, minced

Quarter and seed tomatoes.
Slice mozzarella into small chunks.
Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon zest and juice, and basil in a large bowl. Add tomatoes and mozzarella.
While the other ingredients are marinating, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
Toss pasta with tomato mixture.

makes 7 1-cup servings


Elisabeth13 posted, 708

Thanks.

[Valerie226]

the warmest, sunniest place you've got is where it should go. outside would be better. I bring some basil inside in fall and it lasts a while, but poops out as it gets cooler and less sunny. . pinch back the growing tips( use the trimmings) so it bushes out. each place you pinch back will send up 2 new shoots. basil doesn't need much water but it does need sun and heat.

[SusanMac]

Growing basil is so easy! What you explained is spot on.

If you see little white flowers, pinch them off ASAP. You don't want those.

Also, I recently read around here that it will grow back more quickly if you trim off entire stems at the base of the main stem (vs one leaf at a time) That technique is working well for me.

Have fun! I sprinkle basil on everything now from rice to salads to pasta & pizza

[applecrisp]

Thanks Valerie and SusanMac. The basil is on my windowsill soaking in the sunshine. I live in an apartment and unfortunately no outside space.