When to plant Basil in Montgomery County County,
Basil planted in Montgomery County County between May 3 and May 24 matures in 75 days — well before the October 7 first frost.
When to Plant Basil in Montgomery County, IA
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Montgomery County, Iowa this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Sow basil in trays indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (April 26). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Montgomery County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,271 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Montgomery County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 Montgomery County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Basil's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Montgomery County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Basil will thrive.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.5" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Montgomery 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 — Montgomery County, IA
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 3 | May 3 – May 24 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 6 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Montgomery County
Growing Tips for Basil in Montgomery County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 26 in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, IA?
Montgomery County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montgomery County, IA?
Montgomery County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Basil in Montgomery County County, ?
In Montgomery County County, , plant Basil after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Montgomery County County, for Basil?
Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Montgomery County County's temperate climate. Montgomery County County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 7.
Your Montgomery County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Montgomery 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.