How to grow basil in a raised bed

Basil is the perfect partner to a tomato patch — fast, fragrant and happiest in the same warm, sunny spot. A raised bed keeps it warm and well-drained, just how it likes it.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, 6+ hours
• Spacing: 20–30 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth is plenty
• Time to harvest: 6–8 weeks, then pick often

When to plant: Basil is frost-tender, so plant from spring once the nights warm up, right through summer. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow or plant into warm, moist mix in the sunniest spot you have. Pinch out the growing tips regularly to keep plants bushy and stop them running to flower.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist — basil wilts fast when dry but hates soggy feet. Water the soil, not the leaves, in the morning.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, slugs and snails and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are downy mildew, fusarium wilt and damping-off. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Basil and tomatoes are the classic pairing — plant it right alongside your tomatoes and capsicums. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick leaves from the top down and often; regular harvesting keeps it producing. It doesn't store well, so use it fresh, freeze it, or make pesto.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Kolforn (Kolforn), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.