When to plant Basil in Combs, AR
Plant Basil in Combs, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 13. Continue planting through May 4 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Basil in Combs, AR
Top priorities for Madison County, Arkansas gardeners in June
June is a pivotal month for Madison County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting basil
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: basil
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.
Combs, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. 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 801 feet, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Combs Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil 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 Combs
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Basil prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Madison County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
Basil Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison 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 — Combs, AR
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
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Basil in Combs
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 06 in Madison 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.
Recommended Basil Varieties for Combs
Downy mildew-resistant basil for your humid climate
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
When should I plant Basil in Combs, AR?
In Combs, AR, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Combs, AR for Basil?
Combs sits in USDA Zone 7b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Combs's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Combs's temperate climate. Combs averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.