How to trim basil plant for cooking? i have a new plant. it is good. i want to know...

i have a new plant. it is good. i want to know how to trim the plant leaves with out harming the plant it self
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a short time ago pinch off the bottom of the basil leaves with your finger. sort sure that your basil doesn't start growing those tiny white buds,those you have to pinch off too and you'll hold a much heartier plant.

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Just cut the side leaves as you need them. Cut the top stalk off and it will grow some more. The plant will verbs to grow new leaves until you let it be in motion to seed and/or it freezes to death.

I grow my own basil and love the little herb.
How to generate tomato plants produce more tomatoes?
Answers:    Most herb will not die from picking off leaves or even stems actually they benefit from it. I hold a few different herbs and I always cut in the order of half of a stem at a time then cart the leaves off and discard the stem. that prevents it from going to seed and help it become fuller