how about basil i have a plant growing now in a pot in a window sill do i pinch it back . what does that mean?

Answer 1

To "pinch it back" just grip the stem between your thumb and forefinger and pinch. The upper stem and leaves separate from the plant. Do this near the top of each stem, so the plant doesn't get too tall and go to flowers. You want leaves, not flowers, on basil to use for cooking and salads.

Answer 2

It means that you can remove the upper most leaves on the stalk, by pinching them out, stalk and all. This will stunt the growth of the plant in height, but promote bushiness. This may not occur if kept inside on a sill tho. You could also snip a cutting off and place it in a LITTLE water, providing you cut just below a node along the stalk. The node should rest in the water, and roots will appear thereby giving you another plant to pot up.

Answer 3

pinch off the flowers, or even where it might appear to be forming flowers. That way it will keep putting out new leaves. I can pick basil leaves for months this way.