On Thu, 5 Jul 2012 16:54:11 -0700 (PDT), Kalmia
> wrote:

>I have had parsley producing for months, but wonder what the technique
>is for basil. I bought a full plant in supermkt tda, but want to keep
>it producing too. TIA

Basil is shallow rooted, so never let it get dry. Pinching it back is
probably a bad example. You need to cut useable stems from the plant.
in the beginning you cut the main stem just above where you see leaf
nodes on the stem. The leaf nodes will produce additional stems.
Continue cutting the plant just above the leaf nodes to keep the plant
branching out. Definitely cut the plant back before it goes to
flower. Basil likes sun and warm earth. You can keep your cutting
fresh until use by putting them in a glass of water just as you would
cut flowers. The same rules apply here -- do not fill the water so
that leaves are under water. Change the water every several days.
Soon you may see that some of the stems have roots. You can allow
these roots to develop and plant the stem. Keep the newly planted
stem out of the sun for a few days to harden off. Basil is an annual
plant and as such has a limited life -- you cannot make it last
forever. Your rooted stems will have the same life as the main plant
that you took them from. You may be able to keep the plant going to
mid winter. Good Luck
Janet US