Wait until the basil plant is at least 6 to 8 inches tall
Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried
Use clean scissors or pinch with your fingers
Cut just above a pair of leaves or leaf nodes
Remove stems from the top to encourage bushier growth
Take no more than one-third of the plant at a time
Harvest regularly to prevent flowering
Pinch off any flower buds as soon as they appear
Pick the largest leaves first if you only need a few
Rinse and dry the harvested basil before use or storage