Basil outside in England?

Don't give up - we grow it every year in pots on the patio in the West Country.

I planted some outside this weekend so fingers crossed it'll be ok

I've had my seedlings outside for some time now, along with the coriander ones. The basil seedlings are growing noticeably slower than the coriander though, so I've brought half of them inside to see if they will fare better.

My key issue is keeping the slugs and snails off them though - they love them!

Basil and coriander will certainly grow outside, even here in North Shropshire, but it is still a bit early - too cold, and days not long enough I guess.

They do like sunny window sills,though, and look and smell nice enough to be considered part of the decor.

Good luck!

It's one of the few things I think really prefers to be inside. I've tried several times to grow it (in Lincolnshire ) and it never thrives outside.

I grow it outside every year - thrives. Give t a go from seed, its certainly cheaper than buying fresh from the shops!

I grow basil outside during the summer months....it's a bit too early to put it out just yet. To keep the slugs and snails off your pots...rub a layer of vaseline around the outside of the pot and 'plant' a spent battery or two inside (doesn't harm the plant just gives the little blighters a nasty shock!)

I have basil, rocket, parsley and spinach growing on my windowsill from seed. The spinach, after three weeks, is already giving me leaves for my salad. I will use them until they run out of steam, by which time I hope the weather will be good enough to plant what is left out into the garden and hope for a second show of leaves.

Here in Norfolk I grow basil in the greenhouse, and on the kitchen/conservatory windowsill, although sometimes it gets the 'fly'. Outside next to a sunny sheltered wall is good. Not too much water though, Mediterranean conditions if possible!!!! Good Luck Hat11!!!

My coriander seeds are growing like mad, and are quite happy outside. But my basil is still very slow growing, even though it's been inside for a few days now. I suppose it reflects the need for Mediterranean sunshine!

Through ignorance I planted coriander and basil out in large pots three weeks ago. Fortunately they are thriving and growing in abundance. I live in the West Midlands

In case you hadn't spotted it - we've just published some new gardening features in our Gardening section, including a piece on growing herbs.

I grow basil in a hanging basket every year, but wait until June before putting it out.

Can't grow Basil for love nor money., inside or out.. (South Cheshire)

Just bought a pot of basil from Tesco, split it and planted in a 10" pot in greenhouse, will put outside in a sunny sheltered spot next week.