Ever bought a bunch of fresh basil for your pasta, used a few leaves, and watched the rest wilt in the fridge? What if you could simply step onto your balcony and pick a handful whenever you needed them? You don’t need a sprawling garden to grow your own basil. With a small pot, some sunlight, and a little care, you can have this fragrant Italian herb growing right at home.

But how do you get your basil plant to grow lush, healthy leaves instead of struggling after a few weeks? Dr Mayur Mandrah, a former army major and gardening content creator, shares what works for his own plant. 

From getting the soil mix right and knowing when to water to a simple pruning trick that encourages bushier growth, he breaks down six practical tips to help you grow fresh basil on your balcony.

Here are his tips for growing a healthy basil plant.

1. Choose the right pot

Basil needs sufficient room to spread as it grows. He grows his plant in a six-inch pot and recommends choosing a container that gives the roots enough space.

Make sure that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. His pot has around four holes, which he finds sufficient for his watering routine.

He recommends clay pots where possible, although fibre and plastic pots can also be used. Good drainage is important to prevent water from collecting around the roots.

2. Prepare a suitable soil........

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