When to plant Basil in Grant County County,
In Grant County County, plant Basil in spring between April 28 and May 19, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Grant County County's last frost averages April 21, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 75 days before the first frost on October 17.
When to Plant Basil in Grant County, KS
June in the garden — Grant County, Kansas
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Grant County, Kansas.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: basil
These need a head start before your last frost (April 21). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Start harvesting basil
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Grant County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,096 feet, Grant County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Grant County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
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 Grant County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) is more alkaline than Basil prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Grant County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Basil will thrive.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
Basil Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 1.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.1" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Grant 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 — Grant County, KS
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Grant County
Growing Tips for Basil in Grant County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 21 in Grant 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 Grant County, KS?
Grant County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grant County, KS?
Grant County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Basil in Grant County County, ?
In Grant County County, , plant Basil after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Grant County County, for Basil?
Grant County 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 Grant County County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Grant County County's temperate climate. Grant County County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 17.
Your Grant County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grant 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.