665534 Sun Nov 08 03:55:22 -0800 2009 4 62 Gardening 0 5164616 hello all, the people here keep harvesting from the bottoms and sides instead of tops. the stems no longer sprout leaves. will my plants ever become healthy again? thanks in advance. Sun Nov 08 03:55:22 -0800 2009 1106176 epabella 1 5181966 Depending on where "here" is, I doubt it. Time to raise some seeds indoors? Sat Nov 14 16:04:08 -0800 2009 5164616 11791 DonShirer 2 5182336 thanks, "here" is actually Manila, Philippines. I guess I'll have to buy more basil plants again. Sat Nov 14 19:53:45 -0800 2009 5181966 1106176 epabella 3 5183761 You don't need to buy plants! Basil grows beautifully from seed, as long as the soil is warm and moist (like in Manila ;-). You'll save gobs of money and be able to sow every few months, so you have a never-ending supply of plants. Also, remember when your plants start to flower to not just pinch the flower head, but go down the stem a good four inches. I learned this trick this year and it causes the plant to put more production into sides shoots instead of merely recuperating and sending up another flower asap. Sun Nov 15 14:49:40 -0800 2009 5182336 70211 Beckyleach 4 5184186 thanks for the very useful advice. i'm keeping my fingers crossed but it seems they'll pull thru after all the sunshine last week (after three weeks on overcast and typhoons). i'm not going to harvest anymore leaves from the two shrubs as i wait for some tips on how to plant some cuttings from them. thanks again for the invaluable tip on how to harvest and encourage growth. Sun Nov 15 18:00:49 -0800 2009 5183761 1106176 epabella