When to plant Basil in Johnson County, IA
Plant Basil in Johnson County from May 1 to May 22 in spring. Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 24 and first frost on October 11.
When to Plant Basil in Johnson County, IA
July in the garden — Johnson County, Iowa
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Johnson County, Iowa this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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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.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Johnson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,204 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson 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 — Johnson County, IA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Basil in Johnson County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 24 in Johnson 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 Johnson County, IA?
Johnson County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, IA?
Johnson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Basil in Johnson County, IA?
In Johnson County, IA, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, IA for Basil?
Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.