why you should always keep your basil from flowering if you want to eat it, gardeners say

Gardening

Why You Should Always Keep Your Basil From Flowering If You Want to Eat It, Gardeners Say

Drescription

Basil flowering takes energy from leaf production, causing leaves to become bitter and bad for cooking.

Keep basil from flowering by pinching off any flowering bits to redirect energy to the leaves.

Prune and pinch your plant regularly to keep it healthy, lush, and useful.

With the right love and care for a basil plant, it's not long before you have the main ingredients for delicious culinary recipes and a wonderfully bright addition to your herb garden. But trouble could be brewing if your basil plant grows too far.

When flowers appear on a basil plant, it's best to get rid of them and stop them from continuously blooming. But why is it important to keep your basil from flowering? Here's what the experts say happens, and what to do if your plant has already flowered.

Meet the Expert

Adam Weiss is a master gardener and the founder of Pike Lane Gardens, a wellness program rooted in sustainability bringing organic vegetable gardening to the workplace.

Sara Rubens is a certified garden coach and the founder of Seed to Sanctuary, which helps folks create edible gardens.

Why Keep Basil From Flowering?

Although there are over a dozen different types of basil out there, you'll find that it's better to prevent most from flowering. Flowers can range from white to purple and while they might look nice, this impacts the flavor.

"If left to bloom, the plant will redirect its energy toward producing seeds rather than growing new leaves," says master gardener Adam Weiss. "This can cause the plant to slow or stop leaf production, making the existing leaves tough and bitter."

Bitter basil defeats the purpose of an herb garden as the leaves become unusable in cooking. The best way to stop this is to prevent basil from flowering. Simply pinch off any flowers or buds to continue redirecting energy to the leaves.

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What Happens If Basil Flowers

If basil flowers, it becomes more bitter. That's why pruning basil is a large part of the care requirements for this plant. Have a pair or scissors or shears at the ready to collect leaves and nip anything in the bud before it blooms.

"By pinching off the flower buds as soon as you see them, you encourage the plant to keep producing fresh, tender leaves instead of going into reproduction mode, often called bolting," says certified garden coach Sara Rubens.

By making use of your basil plant, you're also supporting its health and growth. So don't be shy about snipping off leaves for your projects.

"Regularly harvesting basil and removing the top few sets of leaves (including any flower buds) also keeps the plant bushy and vigorous," explains Rubens. "It promotes branching, which leads to a fuller, more productive plant."

What to Do If Your Basil Already Flowered

Don't worry if your basil has already flowered, you have a few choices to prevent more bitter leaves.

"You can still pinch off the blooms and harvest, but the flavor might not be as sweet or intense as it was before," says Rubens.

As for any other plants? Keep a watchful eye and stay on top of pruning to avoid losing out on the tastiest flavor. However, you don't have to remove or cut back the ones that have flowered either.

"If you’re growing multiple basil plants, you can choose to let a few flowers remain, which will help attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to your garden," says Weiss. "You can then use those flowers to create basil-infused oils and vinegars."

Other Basil Care Tips

If you're new to growing basil or are after a few extra care tips, here's what to know:

Transplant your basil outside at the right time. Weiss says to start it by seed indoors, then move seedlings outdoors once it starts hitting 70°F outside, where they should be spaced 8-10 inches apart.

Grow companion plants for basil like asparagus, tomatoes, and chamomile nearby to keep pests at bay and boost the flavor.

Don't forget about a good fertilizer. "Periodically use a nitrogen-based fertilizer on your basil plants to stimulate healthy leaf development," says Weiss.

Create a regular pruning cadence to prevent blooming and create a plant that's more voluminous.

20 Summer Office Outfit Ideas You’ll Be Excited To Wear (Professional And Casual Options)

Last week, I went on a hike with a friend who was lamenting about trying to find good summer office clothes, or even just some good summer office outfit ideas. She works in a creative field, so it's less blazers and slacks and more fun but modest, and yet it's still been a struggle. Clearly, dressing a bit more conservatively is required in most workplaces, but also sweating to death is not what anyone wants. So I thought maybe some of you might also be struggling as well, since more jobs are requiring in-office attendance, and I could offer my online window shopping services. I created 20 outfit combos for both more formal workplaces and more casual workplaces. And don't worry, I ran these all by my best friend, who has primarily worked in non-casual offices, and I got her stamp of approval. We spend A LOT of time working, and there's no reason that you can't look forward to dressing for the office. The "Professional" Looks Starting strong with a very affordable Old Navy short-suit combo paired with an airy white blouse from Everlane. The light oatmeal color is so pretty and summery while still looking professional. The shorts have a 5" inseam, so they are on the longer side depending on how long your legs are:) While Emily didn't try on this exact set, she did do an Old Navy try-on last year with similar pieces and loved them. What's also great about the top is that it's interesting and chic AND modest enough to wear without the blazer. Then for the combo on the right, I'm pretty in love with that short-sleeved vest top. It's so refined yet cool! Gives a suit look, but much better for hot weather. It also comes in black. Then I wanted to pair it with a light-colored colored pant and these were extra perfect because of the subtle pinstripe that complements the white top. Throw a cute little pump heel on, and you are so set. Both of these combos are each under $200 total. I love a neutral look as much as the next person, but a little color and pattern never hurt anyone...especially in the summer! Let's start with the combo to our left. When I saw that belted green gingham blazer, I knew I had to build an outfit around it (FYI it's under $80). It's so fun but not "too wild" and looks just as good open, which is why I included a fitted tank. I chose a more cropped tank because those navy pants are stretchy and super high waisted, so tucking in a long top probably isn't going to look the best. I just think this is fun, but modern and gives "cool powerhouse". That blazer would also be so cute with jeans and flats. Now, for a more loose-fitted look, I equally love both of the pieces in the look on the right. The top is just edgy enough with the double belts and modest enough with the capped sleeves. No jacket needed with this one. Oh, and how great are those blue and white striped pants? Fun, breezy, and office-approved. Ok, so this little short-sleeved blazer is the most expensive piece in this post, but it's also MAJORLY discounted from its original price. Plus, it's so good that I was practically forced (by my heart) to include it. And while you could easily pair it was a cute pair of trousers or jeans, I love the idea of mixing it with this airy midi skirt. It's elevated, cool, and a little unexpected. One of my favorite of these summer office outfit ideas :) These two lean the most casual of the professional looks, but still feel dressier to me, so here goes! First off, THOSE RED STRIPE PANTS. I'm obsessed. So chic, so comfy, and if you wanted the whole set, it does have a matching blazer. But if you want to keep the costs down, I love this cool, boxy button-up to pair with it. You will be the coolest-dressed person in your office for sure. You could pair this look with either a heel, a pretty sandal, or a sleek sneaker. It all depends on your office's dress code. Then, for the look on the right, I really liked the mix of brown tones with a pop of blue to add some more excitement. Those trousers have a crazy high rating and are currently on sale for $28 (originally $40). I really love that jacket, and while summer is hot, the mornings can be chilly, so why not have a cute jacket on the way in:) Onto our casual options! The "Casual" Looks Let me first say that if you haven't checked out the Loft in a minute, may I suggest you take a peek, as both of the trousers above are from there. Cute, right!? They each have a little something fun about them. Caitlin told us that Loft was having an "Abercrombie-like" renaissance, and I have to agree. For the look on the left, I love the seam down the front of the legs. Just adds a simple pop. Plus, the color is beautiful, and paired with the cool, loose, denim-like striped top, it's a slam dunk. Then, for the look on the right, the pants are really the showstoppers with those pockets, so a simple tee is a great pairing. But what is clearly special about this tee is the side ruching. Such a little detail that makes the whole piece. Ok, so most of the outfits going forward, I think are also just great summer outfits. Wear them to the office, wear them to brunch, or wherever else you fancy. For the outfit on the left, that wildly cute top is under $20. Yes, you read that right. It hugs all the right spots, while not being too revealing, and giving that wonderful loose fit around the waist. The jeans are also on a truly great sale ($25!!) and have such a fun high-waisted, wide-leg cut. An easy and non-boring outfit. Now, the look on the right screams "Emily Henderson". That blouse is under $50 and so pretty — the color, the detailing, the cut. Then those are Em's favorite barrel jeans that aren't too "barrel-y". The pockets and the little dart above the knees make them look so cool. Let's layer a bit, shall we? First off, I know these lightweight cargo pants might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you are looking to step outside your normal style a little, I think they are so great...and look extremely comfortable. Then, for a slightly more elevated tank, I really love this wine colored, cinched option. Flattering and modest. But if you want a little extra pattern and fun (or if you have a chilly office), I love this cropped striped button-up! Layer it over or wear it by itself, you have options. Oh, you knew I was going to include some striped tees. It's EHD law. For the look on the left, it's all in the details. That side-tie tank is so fun yet feels classic. Those jeans (from my go-to denim retailer, Everlane) are pretty standard until you get to that freaking cool seam at the calf. Throw on that boxy green Oxford, opened as a little jacket for a little warmth in the AC, and baby, you have a stylish little look. But if you want to lean more into that coastal, nautical style, then the combo on the right could be for you. A truly classic striped tee, CUTE long white shorts, and a little cardigan. What's not to love? This is where I got a little wild:) So not sure what's come over me, but I am extremely into the look on the left. I used to dabble more into leopard years ago, but not until recently have I felt the urge to dip my toe back in. Emily and photographer Kaitlin have leopard denim, and they look so cool in them. So when I saw these ultra-soft jeans from Gap, I thought maybe it's my time. But for a work outfit, I do think that pairing these pants with a more tailored top is a great contrast that elevates the whole look. This light pink vest is such a fun pop of color and makes me want this whole outfit even more. And since playfulness is the essence of these two looks, I really loved the idea of this vacation-inspired look on the right (that you could also very much wear on a summer vacation). Those striped shorts are amazing and a little fitted, which is great to pair with that slightly oversized fruit shirt. I mean, if you've been wanting to try out the fruit fashion trend, there isn't a better time than now:) The Dresses Since dresses are less of a combo situation, I thought I'd just add a few at the end. First up is that beautiful reddish coral dress from Sezane. You could wear it for almost any occasion, and it would be perfect. That side tie is so chic. It comes in other colors, too. Then the linen maxi with those sweet puff sleeves is also extremely versatile. Cute, modest, flattering, and looks so comfortable. It also comes in other colors and patterns. Quince really does have beautiful clothes for great prices, and the dress on the left is a perfect example of that. It's under $70, comes in a ton of colors, and the cut would look amazing on anyone. Lastly, the sleeveless dress on the right is new from Madewell, and I love it. Again, great for summer because it's sleeveless and breezy. The colors are chic, and the pattern makes it interesting. Big fan and would look perfect with a jean jacket:) I truly hope these were helpful summer office outfit ideas, as we are officially in summer. That 90 weather is here but that doesn't mean we have to suffer in office clothes we don't love. I also think so many of these pieces can easily mix and match with each other so have fun if you are on the hunt. Love you, mean it.

This Simple Trick Can Bring a Faded Hydrangea Back to Life Overnight

Hydrangeas tend to fade and wilt in the summer, but don't consider it a lost cause just yet. You can bring those flowers back to its bright and cheery self with one main trick—and it doesn't involve watering them more. Hydrangeas aren't big fans of the heat and sun, so you'll likely see them bounce back in the evenings when the weather cools down. Of course, there's more to it than that. We asked gardening experts for their main tricks and tips on how to bring faded hydrangeas back to life in no time. Meet the Expert Amy McCord is the founder and CEO of Flower Moxie. David Angelov is the founder and CEO of Plant Parenthood. The Trick to Bring Back Faded Hydrangeas To bring your faded hydrangea back to life, set up a shade cloth or move or replant them in a more covered spot to give the plant some relief. "Hydrangea are shade plants, and this also helps with water retention," says plant expert Amy McCord. "A shade cloth will work wonders, and setting up a drip hose can keep the plant thriving even in hotter months." It's a common misconception that most hydrangea plants love full sun; many of them only want partial sun. "If possible, have them planted in place with partial sun," say plant pro David Angelov. "Ideally, you start from that, rather than remedy with a band-aid." Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Why Your Hydrangeas Are Fading Experts point out that hydrangeas can fade due to three main factors. First, Angelov says the heat itself can make the hydrangea wilt and suggests waiting it out until the evening when the temperature goes down. "The leaves start to wilt, and they bounce back in the evening without any intervention," Angelov says. Additionally, the plant doesn't like weather hotter than 80°F, and its leaves will wilt due to the heat. "If the leaves are turning brown or losing their flowers very easily, that's different," Angelov says. "But generally, if the leaves are just wilting, then it's the heat." Lastly, hydrangeas need a lot of water and do not like to be even slightly dehydrated. "This is the most common reason, as they are very thirsty plants and cannot withstand a several-day dry out," McCord says. How to Care for Hydrangeas in Intense Heat Angelov and McCord have several tips for caring for hydrangeas in the sweltering summer weather. When watering them, McCord advises giving the plant hydration at the bottom, where the plant meets the soil. "It's best to give them a long, slow drink at the base of the plant, as they are shallow-rooted," she says. "Although they wilt quickly, they can bounce back quickly." However, Angelov warns against giving the usually thirsty flower too much hydration, because overwatering can be just as fatal. McCord also suggests removing any old blooms. "Hydrangeas take a lot of resources, so aging blooms pull hydration away from new growth and blooms," she says. 4 Other Tips for Hydrangea Care Angelov and McCord had these other tips for caring for hydrangeas in the summer. Increase acidity. Hydrangeas are pH sensitive, and more acidity will make their flower colors more vibrant. Use well-draining soil. This will help prevent root rot in the plant. Prune at the right time. Both experts emphasized double-checking when you should prune your specific variety of hydrangeas during the year. Each type is different. Compost at the beginning of the season. Give the plant a top dressing of compost each year so it will have the nutrients to produce flowers during the season.

6 Reasons Why Your Tomatoes Grew Too Small This Year, and How to Fix It

Tomatoes are a great place to start if you're looking to grow your own produce, but that doesn't mean they're not without their own issues. Making it through the growing phase, having ducked and dodged blight, hornworms, blossom end rot, and all the other problems a tomato plant might run into can feel like a success of its own. Which is why it's extra disappointing when the fruit is just... small. Here are six reasons why your tomatoes are too small, and all the ways you can correct them for a bountiful harvest in the future. Extreme Drought or Heat Most varieties of tomato require full sun, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily fit for extreme conditions. Heat and drought are the number one reason why tomato fruits fall short of their expected size. It's important to keep an eye on soil moisture levels and keep plants well-watered with at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. The soil should never dry out; this will lead to quick wilting. Tomatoes don't typically flourish in temperatures above 85°F, but we also can't help where we live. If your local temperatures consistently rise above this, consider investing in a shade cloth, and increase watering to twice daily. Consider planting in a container, where the plants can be moved into the shade—or just out of harsh, direct sun—as needed. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Poor Pollination If pollinating by hand, this should occur at least every other day during the growing season. If you're relying on pollinators to get the job done, consider making your yard more pollinator-friendly: plant attractive plants, provide a source of water (not stagnant), and decrease potential predators like bats or pets. Too Many Fruits It's important to pick fruits as they ripen; leaving tomatoes on the vine can not only cause splitting and other damage to the fruit itself, but also increase the number of fruits a single plant has to put effort into growing and supporting. You'll know tomatoes are ready to pick when it is a vibrant shade of its expected color, has a shiny look, feels tender, and comes off the vine easily. Too Much Nitrogen An excess of nitrogen in the soil has been known to cause smaller fruits. If you're unsure about your soil composition, you can buy a DIY test kit to gain insight into what's happening below the surface. If nitrogen levels are too high, consider working in a lower nitrogen fertilizer to balance it out. Pests Pests cause stress on plants that divert their energy to healing and surviving, instead of thriving and producing delicious, juicy tomatoes. If you spotted some common tomato pests hanging around your plants as they grow, don't be surprised if your fruit comes out a bit small at the end of the season. Next year, keep a close eye on early warning signs to fight these infestations in their early stages. Watering by hand keeps you close to the plant on a regular basis and makes it easier to spot problems earlier. Plant Diseases The same goes for plant diseases as for pests. Know the early signs of what different common tomato diseases look like, and you'll be able to help your plant fight it off early.

This Clever Crossbody Bag Can Hold My Water Bottle, Wallet, and Phone Through Casual Dog Walks and Summer Vacations

You can’t forget to bring water when walking your dog in hot weather. Dogs get overheated easily, especially if they have a thick coat, so having water on hand is essential. While I usually just carry a dog water bottle in my hand, I recently found a bag that makes it so much easier to take with me: the Calpak Water Bottle Holder. Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s useful for carrying your own water, too, whether you’re going on a summer walk, heading to the beach, or packing for your next vacation. With an adjustable crossbody strap, the Calpak bag makes it easy for me to be hands-free while walking, which is particularly helpful when I already have my dog’s leash in one hand. The bag has four exterior pockets (one zippered and three slip pockets) to hold a variety of belongings, too. I was able to put my wallet and keys in the zippered pouch, and I put my phone in the back slip pocket for easy reach. Calpak Water Bottle Holder The top of the bag has a drawstring closure to keep your bottle securely in the bag. My dog’s water bottle didn’t slide out, even when I bent down to pick up dog poop. The inside is also insulated to keep your drink cool, and it’s water-resistant, which means you don’t have to worry if liquids spill in the bag. Made of a durable nylon-blend material, the bag is so easy to clean, too: Just wipe it down with water. You can shop the bag in 13 colors, including summer-ready shades like powder blue, light pink, lavender, and peach. There are some fun patterns to choose from, too, like gingham, daisies, and checkered. Not only is the bag great for long summer walks (with or without a dog), but it would also be perfect for traveling. While walking through the airport or train station, you can keep a water bottle handy while still having your hands free to hold carry-on luggage or a duffle bag. Or if you’re planning to be out all day touring around different locations, you can stay hydrated on the go. “This is just the perfect water bottle holder/purse to bring on a hike, walk, travel etc.,” said one reviewer. “I go to Disney World frequently, and this is my purse at the park. It holds everything I need, and the design is so cute.” Grab the Calpak Water Bottle Holder before the weather really heats up, and shop more versatile bags for travel, work, and everyday use below. Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag Calpak Kaya 15-Inch Laptop Backpack Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag Calpak Luka Mini Tote Calpak Fit Gym Bag