It's very easy to grow, particularly in Jersey. Make sure that you don't plant it out in the garden too early - sowing from seed from May onwards is ideal.

It is an annual, so it will only last a season, but if you make sure that you keep trimming it back / using it throughout the year, then it will bush up beautifully.

Basil is used in several things: pesto, pasta sauces, pizza toppings, salsas, sauces, vinaigrettes, marinades. But if it is used too extensively, it can mask the flavours of everything else.

To keep it fresh after it's been picked, wrap the basil in damp paper and store it in the fridge for a few days. Otherwise why not grow it in your garden and pick it when you need it?

Why not try Spaghetti Genovese? Click here to go to the recipe.

Want to find out about other herbs? Click here to return to the main page.