When to Plant Basil in Newton County, MS
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.
Newton County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 236 feet, Newton County receives approximately 51.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Basil may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Basil, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Newton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Basil Planting Timeline — Newton County, MS
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 1 |
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 | 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 8a
Growing Season
230 days
Growing Tips for Newton 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 Newton County, MS?
Newton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Newton County, MS?
Newton County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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