[Bert]

How do I stop my red basil and Italian basil from damping off. The little buggers are dropping like flies .

[Floyd]

I always soak the seed for 24 hours and pour them onto damp compost and then cover with about 5mm of dry compost. 

Cover with a bag then dont need to water for a good wee while.

[Ina]

Floyd's advice seems sound (may have to try that myself one of these days). Basically, water as little as you dare; that's what I've been told from people who should know... Some types of plant are more susceptible - basil is definitely a dry climate plant.

[Bert]

Thanks for the help  . Watering has been reduced.
Now if there was only something I could do about the slug and mice  , but that's another thread to be started in herb, vegetables and gardening