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About Basil 
Basil has long been associated with contradictory beliefs. The Greeks put curses on the aromatic leaves of basil plants while the Romans believed the scented leaves caused sympathy between people and was a sign of love. In India basil was set to grow around every temple as form of protection. Despite the diverse interpretations of the meaning of basil one thing has always been clear - it has been a valuable herb and has been actively traded throughout the world. Basil was mentioned in the earliest colonial garden records.
Basil is a tender annual herb closely related to mint. It has a strong and pungent aroma similiar to clove. The botanical name for Basil Ocimum basilicum comes from the Greek verb meaning "to be fragrant".
There are many varieties of basil to grow, but regardless of the chosen variety the cultivation requirements remain mostly the same with only the slightest variations.
Planning
Basil requires full sun and will not tolerate even a touch of frost. Anyone who has gone out in the morning to find a black mess where once stood proud their basil knows this is true. Basil appreciates a rich, loose, well-drained soil with plenty of humus so treat this plant like a king and it will reward you nicely in return.
When planning your space for basil remember that basil also does quite well as a container grown herb and may do better that way in cooler climates when danger of frost can be met by bringing your tender plants indoors to roost.
Preparation
Basil does well with a soil a bit on the base side of things with a pH of 6.0. You may start basil indoors or sow directly in the garden when all danger of frost is past. Thin plants to about 10 to 12 inches apart. When your plants have grown to about 6 or 8 inches in height pinch the tops to encourage bushing. Similiarly, if the basil plant begins to flower pinch off the flowers to encourage further leaf growth. Once your basil has flowered the leaves will become bitter and far less desirable.
Care
Basil will tell you if the soil it is inhabiting is rich enough by the color of its' leaves. A happy basil will have a rich, dark green color while one lacking nutrients will appear more pale in color.
To grow an indoor crop in winter, either sow seeds or root some stem cuttings from your summer garden before the first frost. Give your basil plants plenty of light and warmth.
Pests / Disease
Spray aphids and whiteflies with a horticultural soap and protect the plants from slugs.
Harvesting
If you want to dry the leaves, cut before the flower bloom and dry on racks or screens in a dark but ventilated space. Freezing or packing them in oil, however, preserves more flavor than drying and is in fact easier to do. Basil also works well in herb vinegar preparations.
Basil Varieties
There are many wonderful varieties of basil including the common Sweet Basil O. basilicum, Bush Basil O.b. minimum, Lettuce-Leaf Basil O.b. crispum and Dark Opal Basil O.b. purpurascens commonly referred to simply as Purple Basil.
Shop for Basil Needs
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Basil Links
Amazon.com offers many Basil
Recent Forum Entires About Basil
Garden Blog Entries about Basil
Articles and Recipes With Basil
Recipe: Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Salad
Recipe: Basil Pesto
Recipe: Tomato-Basil Dip