Growing Basil indoors, What is going wrong?

Plant basil seeds outside one to two weeks after the last frost of the season, when the soil has warmed up. Inside, start seeds six to eight weeks before transplanting outside. Plant successively every three weeks to have a fresh supply all summer long. Basil prefers well-drained soil that has been amended with organic material (peat moss, compost, or well-aged manure). Keep the seedbed moist during germination, and well watered throughout the growing season. Basil prefers full sun but will grow in light shade. Do not fertilize unless the soil is very depleted of nutrients. Your basil will have better flavor if it is not fertilized.

Pinch off flower spikes as they form. This will maintain basil’s full flavor. Harvest the leaves regularly during the growing season. Basil leaves may be preserved by freezing. Rub olive oil on them first and place in ice cube trays or bags. Dry plants by hanging them upside down in a dry area. Crumble leaves and place in an airtight container to use all year.

Basil is vulnerable to slugs, whitefly and red spider mites.

Although not research-based, companion planting with basil is said to repel insects such as aphids, mites, tomato hornworms and asparagus beetles. Whether true or not, basil looks great inter-planted throughout the entire garden.

Site: Basil needs a sunny location which receives at least 6-8 hours of bright light per day and moist but well drained soil conditions. Protect from heavy wind, frost and scorching. It does not do well with blaring midday sun.

Propagation: Sow seeds thinly in a warm location in pots or directly in the soil after danger of frost has passed. Sow evenly, covering with 1/4" of soil and keep moist and free of weeds. Germination will occur within 5 - 8 days. Once seedlings have developed, they can be thinned or transplanted to stand 6" - 12" apart. Seeds can also be sown indoors 6 - 8 weeks before planting outside. Avoid overwatering seedlings.

Growing: Depending on the amount of regular rainfall, water deeply once every 7 - 10 days to insure the roots are receiving adequate moisture. Always watering at midday not in the evening. In hot weather, syringe leaves. Basil grows well potted in containers. Plants grown in containers will dry out faster than those in garden beds and therefore will have to be watered more frequently. Choose container with holes in the bottom for proper drainage. Fertilize sparingly. Basil will not survive harsh winters. At the end of the growing season, you may pot the plant and bring it inside for the winter. Place in a place with plenty of bright sunlight.

Harvesting: Pick or snip leaves when young and as they are needed. If whole stem sections are being harvested, cut just above a pair of leaves. Snipping the leaves actually encourages new growth and can be seen in less than a week. For culinary uses, it is important to prune or trim the plant periodically through the growing season or it will not retain productive growth. If the plant flowers and form seeds, it will become woody and yield will be reduced.

Culinary Uses: Basil's warm spicy essence is revered by cooks from the Orient to the Mediterranean. Sliced tomatoes are divine when topped with a sprinkle of olive oil and a basil chiffonade. Basil's pungent flavor complements garlic well. Used in pesto and tomato based Italian sauces, blended vinegar as well as spicy Thai cuisine.

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possibly root shock at this point. as in, if the roots were exposed to room air while you unpotted them from their packaging, it stresses the plants out a lot. they'll get better on their own in a few days. don't do anything crazy like overwater or add lots of fertilizer. water them really well today and leave them alone for the rest of the week.

Basil and Jalapeno's are usual growers, however mint can really take off taking up your whole planter speedily. I advise you simply retaining the mint population down; just trim it more often than not, or find some excellent recipes with mint! Good good fortune with your planter!