When to Plant Basil in Robertson County, TN
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.
Robertson County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 3,620 feet, Robertson County receives approximately 42.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Robertson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 — Robertson County, TN
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
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
206 days
Growing Tips for Robertson 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 Robertson County, TN?
Robertson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Robertson County, TN?
Robertson County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Robertson County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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