When to Plant Basil in Grant County, AR
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.
Grant County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 498 feet, Grant County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Basil Planting Timeline — Grant County, AR
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
236 days
Growing Tips for Grant County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Basil in Grant County, AR?
Grant County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, AR?
Grant County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Grant County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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