In my experience, most herbs don't really like a rich soil. I grow basil in a container, for some reason it doesn't like the part of the garden that every other herb LOVES. I grow some from seed, some from plants since we have a relatively short growing season.
I've also taken to making an Asian "pesto" -- basil, garlic, ginger, a tad of lime juice, peanuts and peanut oil. It has been a huge hit (if you have loved ones who can't do peanuts, use vegetable oil). You can take a spoonfull of it and add it to a can of chicken broth and one of coconut milk, and you have great soup!