Question
Hi Elyse you were gret help with my vegetable question so I thought I would see if you could help me with my basil.  I know it's an herb but just thought I would ask.  I have my herbs in cntainers and something is munching my basil leaves. When I fan the leaves or dust them with hand all I can see is tiny tiny white bugs flying away.I have grown basil several times and never had any trouble. Can you help me?

Answer
Tammi:
Oddly enough, what you have is probably whitefly. I've never heard of basil having any insect pests - usually the herbs repel insects. The flies can be trapped with sticky traps. You can buy them or make them. I think yellow is the color for whitefly. They are made by spreading something called "Stickem" on yellow cardboard. Attach the board to a stick and stick it in the container with your herbs. I suggest you wear some disposable gloves when handling the stikem - it really lives up to its name!