When to plant Basil in Des Moines County, IA
Des Moines County's spring Basil window runs April 24 through May 15. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Basil in Des Moines County, IA
This month in Des Moines County, Iowa
July is a pivotal month for Des Moines County, Iowa gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect basil at their peak
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to August
- 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.
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 606 feet, Des Moines County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Des Moines County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.7
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 Des Moines County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.7) is within Basil's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Des Moines 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 (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Des Moines 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 — Des Moines County, IA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Des Moines County
Growing Tips for Basil in Des Moines County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 17 in Des Moines 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 Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Des Moines County, IA?
Des Moines County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Basil in Des Moines County, IA?
In Des Moines County, IA, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Des Moines County, IA for Basil?
Des Moines County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Des Moines County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Des Moines County's temperate climate. Des Moines County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Des Moines County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Des Moines County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.