When to plant Basil in Hackett, AR
Aim to plant Basil in Hackett on or after April 12; the window stays open through May 3. Hackett's 209-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Basil in Hackett, AR
Your June game plan for Sebastian County, Arkansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Sebastian County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Pick basil
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: basil
Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb essential to Italian and Thai cuisines. It comes in many varieties including sweet, Thai, purple, and lemon types.
Hackett, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 796 feet, Sebastian County receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Hackett Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Hackett
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.8) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sebastian County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
Basil Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Basil
Basil needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sebastian County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Basil Planting Timeline — Hackett, AR
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Sebastian County
Growing Tips for Basil in Hackett
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 05 in Sebastian County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production. Harvest leaves from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
When should I plant Basil in Hackett, AR?
In Hackett, AR, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hackett, AR for Basil?
Hackett sits in USDA Zone 8a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Hackett's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Hackett's temperate climate. Hackett averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 31.
Your Sebastian County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sebastian County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.