Three things I wish someone had told me before growing Basil
After growing Basil for over a year here is what I'd tell a beginner.
First: pinching out flower buds on basil to extend leaf production is not optional — it's the foundation everything else depends on. Second: powdery mildew on basil in cool damp conditions will happen and you should know how to handle it before it does. Third: a kitchen windowsill close to the cooking area genuinely matters — the right position unlocks attractive to bees and other pollinators when in flower in a way a poor position never will. peak harvest productivity through summer is the payoff for getting all of this right. It's worth every bit of effort.
Basil