When to Plant Basil in Estill County, KY
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.
Estill County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 2,559 feet, Estill County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Estill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.9
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 — Estill County, KY
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 27 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–75 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
191 days
Growing Tips for Estill 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 Estill County, KY?
Estill County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Estill County, KY?
Estill County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Estill County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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