How to harvest basil to make pesto

Fresh basil pesto is a real summer treat. Monty Don shows you how to pick the final crop of the year to make your own.

Do it:

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Basil thrives in summer heat, but as autumn approaches the plants will start to deteriorate. So while they're still in good shape, Monty Don harvests basil grown outdoors, and explains how to make pesto, which can be frozen for use over winter to add its delicious flavour to dishes. Find out more in this short programme clip from Gardeners' World.

For more ways to pick, store and use herbs, take a look at our feature on how to store herbs in ice cubes.

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