When to plant Basil in Fall River, MA
Fall River's climate puts the Basil spring window between May 3 and May 24. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Basil in Fall River, MA
June to-do list for Bristol County, Massachusetts
Your garden in Bristol County, Massachusetts is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Begin indoor sowing: basil
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.
Get ahead of July
- 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.
Fall River, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Fall River Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
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 Fall River
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.7) is more acidic than Basil prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bristol County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bristol 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 — Fall River, MA
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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Bristol County
Growing Tips for Basil in Fall River
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 26 in Bristol 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
When should I plant Basil in Fall River, MA?
In Fall River, MA, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fall River, MA for Basil?
Fall River sits in USDA Zone 7a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Fall River's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Fall River's temperate climate. Fall River averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.
Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.