Writing to you from my little plant corner-

Who's ready for summer sun, ice cream, river floats, harvesting from garden beds, beach getaways, camping in the mountains and all the energy that comes with this time of year?! Or, ya know just chilling at home drinking ice tea with the plants!

Here in my world, all the tourists have arrived and it makes me want to escape to the mountains or the country side, and make fresh mint ice tea to drink by the pool. Being on a different time zone than USA allows me to have the morning and early afternoon for a slow life balance. I stopped on the way home from the beach today to get an ice cream. 

Its beautiful how in France organic food is so accessible. Majority of the country only eats what is in season, small farmers are valued as an essential part of society, and the market culture is so deep you know its been around for decades and also will be the last of the economy standing. So, in honor of eating what's in season (from my indoor garden) I decided to pitch off some basil leaves to try with my ice cream - DELICIOUS! Highly recommend! Seasonal eating hits different when it comes straight from your windowsill.

So, that's where I am at on this Strawberry Full Moon phase of life. I'd love to hear a piece of how plants are inspiring you right now? 

Being part of the Crown Club means more than just plants. It’s about sharing inspiration, real life, tips that work, and honest stories from the garden corner. I’d love to hear what your plants are teaching you right now. Hit reply or drop a comment and tell me what you’re growing, what’s blooming, or what you’re struggling with. We’re here to grow together.

Basil for me is one of those plants that everyone seems to make growing it look so easy, well for me it hasn't always been that way. I've learned that watering from the bottom of the pot (putting water in a saucer for roots to drink) is a good way to water. I also have figured out the "pinch method". So, enjoy below a few tips on How to grow Basil, and follow the link for a more full break down in our plant by species articles. 

Sending you good vibes and Happy Summer! 

🌿 Basil Growing Tip: 

Pinch Early, Pinch Often

If you want a lush, bushy basil plant, don’t wait—start pinching off the top sets of leaves early, even when the plant is small. This encourages branching instead of upward growth, giving you more leaves in the long run. Always pinch just above a set of healthy leaves, and your plant will reward you with fuller, more productive growth.

Bonus: Never let basil flower if you're growing for flavor. Once it blooms, the leaves can turn bitter. Keep it snipped, and your pesto will thank you.

SHOP Grow Queen: BASIL FRIENDLY FERTILIZER 

FUN FACTS ABOUT BASIL :

1. Basil is part of the mint family!
   That’s why its stems are slightly square and aromatic—just like mint.

2. Over 60 varieties exist.
   From sweet basil to Thai, lemon, cinnamon, and purple ruffles—each with unique flavor notes and uses.

3. It’s a natural pest repellent.
   Basil helps keep mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies away. Great companion plant for tomatoes!

4. Basil symbolizes love and protection.
   In ancient Greece, it was considered a sacred herb—used in rituals and healing practices.

5. The oils in basil are antimicrobial.
   Basil essential oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

6. It improves flavor in nearby plants.
   Gardeners swear basil grown near tomatoes improves their flavor due to synergistic compounds.

7. It’s sensitive to cold.
   Basil doesn’t like temps below 50°F (10°C)—it will turn black quickly if chilled.

8. It grows beautifully indoors.
   With the right light and a bit of pruning, basil can thrive in your kitchen year-round.

9. It can flower, but it shouldn't (if you're eating it).
   Once basil flowers, its flavor becomes bitter. Snip those blooms to keep it delicious!

10. It makes a great plant-based sorbet ingredient!
    Yes, basil isn’t just for savory dishes—its fresh flavor pairs beautifully with lemon and fruit desserts.