When to Plant Basil in Mendocino County, CA
May to-do list for Mendocino County, California
May is a pivotal month for Mendocino County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start basil under lights
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
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Pick basil
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Mendocino County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Mendocino County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Basil will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Mendocino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Basil
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 | Basil Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mendocino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Basil Planting Timeline — Mendocino County, CA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Mendocino County
Growing Tips for Mendocino 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
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 Mendocino County, CA?
Mendocino County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mendocino County, CA?
Mendocino County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your Mendocino County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Mendocino County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.