What you need
for genovese basil.

Essentials

• Genovese Basil seeds or a starter plant

  Pick one variety. Don't over-buy on day one.

• Small pot or container (with drainage)

  4–6 inch is plenty for one herb.

• Potting mix

  Get the smallest bag — leftovers store fine.

• Saucer or tray

  Catches drainage and protects your windowsill.

• Spray bottle

  Gentle misting beats heavy pours for seedlings.

Helpful but Optional

• Plant markers

  Optional — popsicle sticks or masking tape work too.

• Small pruning scissors

  Cleaner snips than tearing leaves by hand.

Reuse at Home · Low-Cost Alternatives

• Reused food containers

  Yogurt cups, tin cans, takeout clamshells — poke 3–4 drainage holes.

• Glass jars

  Perfect for regrowing scallions, mint cuttings, or sprouting seeds in water.

• Egg cartons

  Each cup is a perfect seed-starting cell. Tear apart when seedlings are ready.

• A plate or tray you already own

  Stands in for a store-bought saucer.

• Free seeds from a library or community garden

  Many local programs share seeds at no cost.