When to plant Basil in Lowndes County, MS
Lowndes County's climate puts the Basil spring window between March 30 and April 20. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Basil in Lowndes County, MS
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.
Lowndes County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 256 feet, Lowndes County receives approximately 55.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Basil, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Basil root diseases.
Lowndes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Lowndes County, MS
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Lowndes County
Growing Tips for Lowndes County
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 Lowndes County, MS?
Lowndes County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lowndes County, MS?
Lowndes County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Basil in Lowndes County, MS?
In Lowndes County, MS, plant Basil after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lowndes County, MS for Basil?
Lowndes County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Lowndes County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Lowndes County's temperate climate. Lowndes County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.
Your Lowndes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lowndes County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.