Market Farming

[Dean Mullis <demullis AT InfoAve.Net>]

I  grow Italian large leaf basil and the way we now harvest it is to gather 
the top of the
basil plants in my hand and then whack off the top with a sharp lettuce knife 
and throw it
in the box.  I do this in the evening before market before there is a dew.  
This variety
responds well to this treatment for me and it is quick.  I grow it in 50" 
flat beds with
either 2 or 3 rows/bed.  I bag it at the market in quart freezer bags (not 
zip-locks) ,
roll a cuff down on the bag, and have a puffy bunch of basil showing. I sell 
it by the bag
for $2/bag with a bag weighing approx. 4 ounces.  $8/lb.