When to plant Thai Basil in Compton, AR
Compton sits in USDA Zone 7b. Plant Thai Basil between April 20 (after last frost on April 13) and May 11.
When to Plant Thai Basil in Compton, AR
Newton County, Arkansas gardeners: here's your August plan
August is a pivotal month for Newton County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Thai basil has a distinctive anise-licorice flavor with sturdy purple stems and small leaves. It is essential in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines.
Compton, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 881 feet, Newton County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Thai Basil during the growing season.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Thai 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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Thai Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Thai Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Newton County is excellent for Thai Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Thai Basil.
How to Plant Thai Basil
Succession Planting Thai Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Thai Basil Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Thai Basil
Thai Basil needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Thai Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Newton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Thai 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.
Thai Basil Planting Timeline — Compton, AR
Thai Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Newton County
Growing Tips for Thai Basil in Compton
Direct sow Thai Basil outdoors after April 13 in Newton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Thai basil holds up better to heat in cooking than sweet basil. Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Thai Basil in Other Locations
When should I plant Thai Basil in Compton, AR?
In Compton, AR, plant Thai Basil after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, AR for Thai Basil?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 7b. Thai Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Thai Basil grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Thai Basil grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 22.
Your Newton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Newton 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.