British gardeners who are growing basil have been warned about keeping these plants safe in UK weather conditions. Basil is a plant that many gardeners choose to grow. The herb is relatively easy to plant and grow in your garden, and the results can be used in a number of recipes, especially pasta and pizza. Plus, basil is great at keeping other plants safe from pests as it emits a strong odour that they can't stand. 

However, gardeners across the UK should know a number of things about growing basil to ensure that they get the best results and to keep it from dying in the UK's unique weather conditions. As summer approaches, many British gardeners may be considering growing their basil outside. But given the UK's climate, certain precautions and protections need to be put in place. 

Basil can be grown outside in the UK in the summer months but it is not a hardy plant. That means that it likes a warm environment, the Royal Horticultural Society states. 

In the UK, basil grows best on window sills or in a greenhouse. If it is being grown outside in your garden, then it needs to be in a sheltered, warm and sunny spot whether it is in the ground or growing in containers. 

In the UK, basil seeds are sown between February and July and the seedlings transferred and planted out in June, July and August. Meanwhile, basil, depending on its progress and when the seeds were first sown, is harvested between June and September. 

When it comes to planting basil, you should choose well-drained soil and space plants between 20 and 30 centimetres apart. If you overcrowd them, they can mature too early and your harvest will end too soon. 

One of the best crops top place beside basil in a garden is tomatoes. Not only does basil help to protect tomatoes from pests, some gardeners say that it can actually help to improve the flavour of the fruit. 

There are a number of other excellent companion plants for basil including marigolds, lettuce, maize and lemongrass.