When to Plant Basil in Sweetwater County, WY
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.
Sweetwater County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 114 days.
At an elevation of 7,922 feet, Sweetwater County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Basil successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Sweetwater County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Sweetwater County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sweetwater County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Basil.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Basil
Basil needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 1.5" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.6" | 1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 1.1" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 1.3" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Sweetwater County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Basil Planting Timeline — Sweetwater County, WY
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 |
| Direct Sow | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
114 days in Sweetwater County
Growing Tips for Basil in Sweetwater County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after May 29 in Sweetwater 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Basil in Sweetwater County, WY?
Sweetwater County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 29. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sweetwater County, WY?
Sweetwater County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 29 and first fall frost is September 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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