You are comparing two different things, growing in the ground and growing in containers. They aren't comparable.

Have you fertilized the one in the ground? That could be one reason why they are different sizes.

The difference in flavor and smell could possibly be contributed to the fact that containers need watered more often than in ground plants. More water equals more diluted flavor/smell. This is just a theory with basil though.

The fact that the plants receive a different amount of sun also factors into the differences between plants.

Rodney

You might want to check with the herb experts over on the Herbs forum here since it is a herb rather than a vegetable.

Perhaps they know of a reason why a basil plant would have no taste or smell. I can't imagine a reason for that except for a case where the seeds weren't actually basil seeds.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Herb forum

Can you post a pic of both plants?

I went to go take photos of my plants in the container and noticed one of the wild critters in my area took a big chunk off the plant even though it is elevated off ground grrr. Hope it grows back soon but now I will be transplanting to my raised garden which is covered. Thanks all for your help.

As far as you critter damage goes, I wouldn't sweat. I had one that was rendered to a stick with only one or two little leaves after a hail storm last month, it has grown back to (almost) it's original size in just a week or two. As long as you have one good node left, it should recoup just fine!

I've grown basil both in containers and in the ground, and have never had the issue you describe. It makes me curious if you've got something else growing on the deck. Do the two plants look the same? Photos would definitely help. Good luck with the transplanting. I think it will grow back just fine, despite those lousy critters!