When to Plant Basil in Mahoning County, OH
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.
Mahoning County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 759 feet, Mahoning County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Mahoning County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mahoning County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Basil's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mahoning County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Basil will thrive.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Basil Planting Timeline — Mahoning County, OH
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Mahoning County
Growing Tips for Basil in Mahoning County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 30 in Mahoning 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
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 Mahoning County, OH?
Mahoning County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mahoning County, OH?
Mahoning County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mahoning County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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