When to plant Basil in Scott County, IN
Aim to plant Basil in Scott County on or after April 19; the window stays open through May 10. Scott County's 191-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Basil in Scott County, IN
Your June gardening checklist
Your garden in Scott County, Indiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Bring in the basil
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Scott County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 615 feet, Scott County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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 Scott County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.7) is within Basil's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Basil.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Basil will thrive.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Basil Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott 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 — Scott County, IN
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 23 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Basil in Scott County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 12 in Scott 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 Scott County, IN?
Scott County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, IN?
Scott County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Basil in Scott County, IN?
In Scott County, IN, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, IN for Basil?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.