Basil means 'royal' in Latin, and is the herb to grow if you're growing only one. It's delicious fresh in a multitude of summer recipes, especially those involving tomatoes! At the end of the season, you can harvest and dry what's left, and it will serve you well as a spice or tea throughout the winter. (Basil tea is said to have a soothing effect, and is nice with other herbs).

Since the goal of basil is to produce big leaves, it's best to give it the best conditions possible. Fertile, well-drained soil is good, and lots of sun. Water requirements are only moderate. To prevent premature flowering (which tends to hasten the demise of the plant) pinch off flower buds until at least late summer or early fall. If you can keep it from blooming, you should have fresh basil until the weather turns. At that point, it's just as well to harvest and dry your remaining leaves, as the cool temps tend to make leaves tough.