I need to know how to separate plants that I already have an abundance of.
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/propgen/dividing-plants.htm
How can I get rid of green worms that are eating my basil leaves?
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray can quickly eradicate these leaf and stem-eating worms. It is a safe, biological insecticide. In fact, Bt is a bacterium which is toxic to many moth and butterfly larvae (caterpillars) and will not harm the plants or other beneficial creatures. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/using-bacillus-thuringiensis.htm
What should I do to grow more My Baby basil plants?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/propagating-basil.htm
When rooting a basil clipping in a jar of water, does it root better in a dark environment or in the sunlight? I thought roots didn't like the light.
If you put a clear glass container in the sun, it is possible that the water can get too warm for the roots. Since root systems are underground, I would suggest an opaque or colored container. Basil, and most any other herb, needs as much sun as possible when grown indoors.
Earlier this year, I planted some basil starts and they were attacked by some pest, probably baby slugs. Finally, they looked so near death that I dug them up and took them inside. They have recovered well, but they still have the look of a basil plant that is flowering: leaves are a lighter and duller green, they look like they have less essential oils, and their shape has changed from roundly curving to slightly pointed and flat. If I continue to give them good care and make sure they get enough sun, will they eventually revert to their previous state, or is it that once that mechanism is triggered, the plant can't go back? Also, is there a name for this state other than bolting? I seem to remember from biology something about CAM3 and CAM4 states. . .
I have found that basil, along with other herbs, perform best outside in full sun, rather than indoors. Most often, basil takes the more severe "beating" for it is a fast grower. Your description sounds like the plant is reacting to a lower light location than what it prefers. I would think that placed back outside, it's appearance will revert to the look it had. If you have slugs (and they love basil) reappear, simply place a ring of finely crushed eggshells around the basil plant.
They have a white scale on their stems and white pustules that ooze a white milky substance. The leaves are starting to look yellowish and not a healthy green.
It sounds like mealybugs. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
I often find some basil leaves dry out while still on the plant, or dry out in a bunch harvested to use in cooking. Are these diseased or can they be eaten or cooked with? What causes the drying out on a growing plant?
Sorry, I don't have any definitive answer to offer. I harvest my plants so often that the leaves don't have time to dry. Sometimes, at the end of the season, the really old leaves turn black and are dry. I grow sweet Genovese, maybe other varieties have this problem.
To AnnsGreeneHaus, I agree I do not like the Dried leaves and discard them. But I do not know why some leaves on the plant start to dry out when the rest are healthy on the same stalk.
Do you have any ideas on the cause? I do not see any tiny bugs on the bottom or top of the leaf.
Personally, I don't like dried basil. I will use wilted basil, especially in pesto. The only time leaves dry on my plant(s) is late in the season, or have had '' mechanical'' damage. (The leaf got hit, and the center stem gets damaged.)