I have never grown basil. When is it ready for pasta?
Here are some articles to help you with your basil plant and future basil plants:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/growing-basil-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cucumber/propagating-basil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/information-on-how-to-grow-basil-indoors.htm
My basil plant has odd growths on the stems and I can't tell if it is a disease or caused by bugs. I don't know if the plant should or can be treated or thrown away. I also don't know if it's safe to eat the leaves, which currently look healthy.
It appears to be Spindle Galls, though it is not something I have seen in Basil until now.
I personally would not eat the Basil and would discard the plant as to not spread this to other plants in the garden.
Here is a link that explains this infestation.
http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/A2691.PDF
The basil plant has been growing beautifully in my kitchen window for a month or so. In the last few days, I have noticed a lace-like development on the leaves and a tiny black residue on the sill. I cannot see any insects - any ideas?
Sounds like Sooty Mold.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I never saw this before - on my basil plants, near the new shoots on the top of the plant, there is a mucus like substance surrounding the base of the leaves and around the stem. It is thick and drippy. I cut all the infected tips off - not to be gross, but it has the appearance and texture of 'snot' although milky white in color. I can't find anything online or in my books - and I am a Master Gardener in NJ! What is it?
This is likely Fusarium Wilt.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-diseases.htm
I have grown a big patch of basil in my garden for a couple of years but I have noticed each time that the leaves seem to start shrinking in around the edge in what I can only describe as little dimples over the leaves. This has happened each time I've grown it and I have not used it in case it was caused by some pest or blight. There's no sign of pests on them and I don't think there are eggs inside the leaves because the 'dimples' are not any fatter than the rest of the leaf. Nor is there any discoloration. Now I see that the basil in the shops seems to have the same appearance. Can you tell me if this is the way it should be and if it's safe to eat? Thank you.
Here are some links for you.
Treat with Neem Oil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm
It doesn't have to be an exact number how many basil seeds can be harvested from one basil plant? Also, approx. how many basil seeds make up one pound? I'm sure there's a lot of variables, like variety, size, etc. but an estimate number would be appreciated. Also, the fungus forsythia in the seeds already? Thank you Louis
There would be no way to estimate the number of seeds produced from plants.
Seeds from healthy plants should be healthy if collected and stored properly.
Here is a link to help you with seed saving.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/harvesting-basil-seeds.htm
What is the most efficient way to store basil seeds?
Here are links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/storing-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/harvesting-basil-seeds.htm