What’s Wrong With My Basil?

Question

I’ve noticed some changes on the leaves of the basil. Some have holes on them. I just wanna know what is affecting them. I planted them in pots because it’s easier.

Answer 1

They appear to be too crowded, and overwatered. This leads to fungal infection, which is what is likely happening here.

They are too mature to separate without killing most of the roots, at this point.

Pick off, and dispose of infected leaves. You can still use clean leaves until the plants wither out from disease.

In the future, start one or two seeds in a very small container. Once they germinate, you can pinch the weaker one so that it dies. Once the small plant fills out its small container, you can move it to a container that is a few inches larger on all sides. Continue this, as it ages, to reduce the chances of infection due to wet soils.

Effectively, basil needs to grow as one plant per container. These articles will help you to care for them in container: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/basil-watering-tips.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/basil/how-to-grow-basil-plants.htm