Basil

Basil is a heat-loving annual that struggles in any environment below about 50°F, and the Growing Dome's controlled climate lets you produce basil months longer than outdoor gardens allow. From sweet Genovese for pesto to Thai for curries to lemon, purple, lettuce-leaf, and holy basil, dome owners are growing fresh basil at home through extended seasons. Explore variety selection, pinching to delay flowering and extend harvest, propagation from cuttings, downy mildew management, and recipes for pesto, fresh use, and preservation strategies for surplus harvests.

Young basil plants growing in a greenhouse soil bed
bowl of winter pesto pasta salad served up in front of the pot filled with pasta broccoli and radishes

Delightful Roasted Radish & Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad

January 22, 2026

A versatile recipe that makes the most of reliable winter greens and spring vegetables like radishes and broccoli. Our nut-free pesto dressing is adaptable (try different greens or make it vegan!), and the whole dish is satisfying as a warm dinner or a refreshing chilled lunch. We’ll show you how to make the flavorful pesto, perfect roasted pepitas, and the final simple assembly. Enjoy customizing the pesto with whatever you have in your garden!

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various raw ingredients on a cutting board ready to make ratatouille: fresh tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, peppers, and zucchini

Southwest Ratatouille: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

September 19, 2025

Discover Southwest Ratatouille! This flavorful twist on a classic dish that uses green chiles and helps you enjoy abundant summer veggies. Find the recipe here!

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AI generated image of a heart shaped wreath containing herbs traditionally used as aphrodisiacs

Herbs for the Heart: Plants for Love, Lust, and Longevity

February 10, 2025

Our favorite plants traditionally used as aphrodisiacs or to support cardiovascular health and the best gardening tips for cultivating them in your Growing Dome

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Basil Growing in Raised Bed Greenhouse Garden

Growing Basil in a Greenhouse

November 16, 2022

Growing basil in a greenhouse is a tricky balance. They don't like things too hot or too cold, and while they repel some common pests, such as hornworms and flies, they are susceptible to problems like aphids and Japanese beetles. Let us teach you how to grow basil successfully in your greenhouse. With our expert advice, you will tip the scales in your favor.

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Vibrant Pesto Caprese Chicken

November 16, 2022

Basil Plant looking a bit sad in the cooler temperatures? This quick pesto is a great way to use it before it is too late!

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nasturtium_spring_roll

Nasturtium Spring Rolls with Thai Peanut Sauce

May 6, 2022

This bright, satisfying, yet light lunch keeps you going through your afternoon or you can use it as an appetizer to a favorite Thai dinner entree or even pho. Nasturtium spring rolls are perfect for any warm spring or summer afternoon or evening. Easy to make, the nasturtium packs a punch that is unexpected in A spring roll. They are so pretty you may not want to eat them but they are equally as delicious!

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The Best Vegan Lasagna

February 4, 2022

There are multiple reasons we suspect lasagna has rotated out of the weekly dinner routine (high fat, cholesterol, carbs, sodium, calories, etc.). But everyone loves a good lasagna, so let’s revise and revisit! Make it modern, healthy, flavorful, skip the side of guilt and opt for a salad.

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Tomato bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a dark glaze

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

August 31, 2020

It’s peak tomato season, which means it’s also bruschetta season! By bruschetta, I mean the Americanized version of authentic Italian bruschetta, featuring ripe red tomatoes, basil, and garlic on golden, toasted French bread.

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Buffalo mushroom pizza topped with tofu cubes, kale, and fresh basil

Skinny Buffalo Mushroom Pizza

April 27, 2020

This skinny buffalo mushroom pizza falls into my favorites category, but who doesn't love low-calorie pizza? It's a lighter, vegan way to enjoy pizza. Simple and fast, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Lumpia – Filipino Egg Rolls

Lumpia: Vegan Filipino Egg Rolls

February 1, 2020

Lumpia – Vegan Filipino Egg Rolls I am a massive fan of any spring roll or fresh roll. But this time of year, they aren’t the first dish that comes to mind. The weather often inspires my appetite. When it’s cold outside, I usually yearn for comfort food like chili, soup, hot tea, etc. Lumpia…

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Bowl of vegan pho with mushrooms, noodles, fresh herbs, and sliced green onions

Vegan Fully Loaded Feel Better Pho

December 31, 2019

Fully Loaded Feel Better Vegan Pho I took a class with vegan chef Tess Challis to learn how to make this dish specifically, and I have simplified and streamlined it here for you. This is a comforting dish from a food culture that I incorporate into my everyday lifestyle. The secret to making delicious vegan…

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