The container should have drainage holes in the bottom or sides. Fill it with a soilless mix, which is more lightweight than garden soil and is also free of diseases and weed seeds. It is easy to provide nutrients all season by incorporating a controlled-release fertilizer in the mix before planting. With mixed plantings, place most basils near the center of containers or at the ends of window boxes. Use dwarf basils to edge a container planting or on their own in smaller, 8-inch pots, and place the pots around a larger planter, marching up steps, or along a walk.
Basils combine well with other herbs and with annuals.
Plant basils at the same level as, or just slightly deeper than, they were growing in their original pots. Water the container well after planting. Smaller containers will require more frequent watering than large ones. If you plant in a window box, remember that overhanging eaves may prevent rain from reaching the plants. From Garden to Kitchen Basil complements many kinds of dishes and combines well with other herbs, whether used fresh or dried.