I just planted some small basil plants in my raised bed and also a small pot. I noticed some of the leaves in both spots are starting to turn tan/brown. Is this too much sun? Not enough water? Please let me know so that I can transfer them if need be, while they are still young.
It may be sun scald. This happens when plants are not hardened off before they are brought outside. It should pass. This article will explain more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/how-to-harden-off-your-seedlings.htm
I would like to plant a small herb garden - basil, thyme and rosemary mostly- and need to know how much light these plants require. The area I have picked gets a lot of shade/indirect light and currently ferns and hostas are doing very well there.
While most herbs require full sun, here are some shade tolerant herbs: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/shade-tolerant-herbs-for-your-herb-garden.htm
Regarding the seeds from basil plant, can I put them in dirt or do they need to be dried out?
As long as they come from dried flowers, they can be replanted without drying. It is best to wait until the flowers are dry to make sure that you are collecting fully ripe seeds.
I recently visited Ismir, Turkey and saw a Basil plant I found to be very interesting. The leaves are 1/4 -1/2 inch, a mini version of sweet Basil. At first I thought it was a young sweet basil plant. However, I then saw numerous full grown plants, about two feet tall with the very small leaves. What type of basil is this, and is it useful in cooking or purely ornamental? I found a list of various types of basil in an article at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm However, it is difficult to find the basil I'm describing without descriptions.
It sounds like it may have been globe basil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/growing-bush-basil-plants.htm
Mediterranean basil is easily available and I have successfully grown it many times; however, my enquiry is twofold regarding 'Holy basil'. I first came across this herb whilst in Thailand. It is has an unusual flavour that cannot be replicated. Like so many Thai ingredients, it is readily available there as it grows in the wild under many different conditions--wet/dry/hot/humid. The closest I have come to trying anything similar was a 'lemon flavour' variety of basil, which unfortunately did not germinate. I was very disappointed; however, before I try this variety again, is it possible to locate and purchase the seed of the Holy basil plant here in the UK?
You should be able to buy seeds for this in the UK. You might want to look for it under the name tulsi, which is another common name for it.
This is one site that sells the seeds: http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item.php?id=1376P
Have new Basil (still in store pots) that have been on my patio for about two weeks here in Memphis, TN. When I started to plant in larger pot today, I noticed many leaves partially eaten. What might I do to rid the pest and still eat the Basil in the future?
The very best organic pest control I have found is neem oil. It's very effective and safe for beneficial bugs, like bees and lady bugs. It's also safe for humans. Here is more information on neem oil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
How do you know when Sweet Basil is ready to be harvested?
You should start pinching your basil as soon as it about 6" tall. Just pinch off the tips of the branches (and use them in a recipe) and continue to do so through the season. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/making-herbs-bigger-through-pinching-and-harvesting.htm