Why can't I grow Basil?

[Svea]

my basil seeds are all up - now to space the little b*ggers out
almost as difficult as celery/celeriac, but not quite

[Svea]

[Trixiebelle]

My basil seedlings on the windowsill bit the dust after 3 yr old Alfie decided that his Thomas The Tank Engine needed to be de-railed and go 'cross-country' through soil  ::)

Been trying for YEARS to grow basil with no success ... I'm destined to buy jars of pesto sauce forever more.

Has anyone got the Monty Don book that shows him 'barrowing in' vast amounts of basil to make pesto??? IT'S A FAKE PHOTO I TELL YOU!!!!! PHOTOSHOPPED  ;D