Cucumber beetles eat holes in basil leaves, according to a wholesale herb grower whose talk I attended yesterday. There are no good organic remedies. They've left enough for me.

The highest quality herbs are grown in lean soils -- no fertilizer, not a lot of water. Too much of either, and they'll die. A little too much, and the herb flavors will not be as strong.

The only herbs I fertilize are basil and parsley, and I use a half-strength fish emulsion solution. Be careful not to under-water your basil though--it turns bitter and very strong-flavored when drought stressed, and never again produces tender sweet leaves!

I have had Japanese Beetles on mine recently. Not many, but they can do some serious damage quickly.

HI Jeanie - I'm goig to guess Japanese Beetles also. They just emerged here in Ohio last week and I lost two basil plants before I knew what was going on. Luckily I still have lots more. They are most active mid-day. They have a metallic green appearance.

Good Luck!
-Lisa

Earwig nymphs were having a hayday on mine....

Vera

Holes in leaves would more likely be:
- Slugs
- Snails
- Grasshoppers
In 5 years of growing basil commercially I have never experienced flea beetles in my basil.