Basilica

The past three summers, I always wish I'd grown more basil. This year, I have 12 plants. 

I hope that'll do me. 

8 of them are in pots along our windows on the ground. (Our windows are just above the ground). Having them there is enjoyable because I can look at them frequently and remember to take care of the.  It also maximizes space.

I am being vigilant about pruning for the first time so I can get a big basil harvest. I pinched the top leaves off all my plants yesterday to make them branch out, and made this, my favorite pasta dish:

• whole wheat ziti (I believe non-New Englanders call this "penne")
• 1 pkg fresh mozzerella balls
• 12 oz. cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup packed basil leaves, rolled and sliced in to strips
• Olive oil

YUM. That is why they call summer "Time of the Kingdom"!

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Also, note to self:
Today we planted 5 purple kale, 8 tomato plants, 1 slicing cucumber, 1 yellow round cucumber, 2 pickles, pickle seeds, zucchini seeds, carrot seeds (by the artichoke), dill seeds (by the tomatoes).