Your basil problems were probably related to two factors, heat and being root-bound. Basil grows its root system very fast in the spring/early summer, so if it is in a small pot, it becomes root bound. The water literally flows through what soil there is so fast that the roots never have time to absorb the water. You could water it every day and ultimately - well you know what happens. Basil will take lots of heat but not when their roots can't take in water/nutrients.
