When to plant Basil in Garrison, MO
For Garrison, gardeners: plant Basil April 21 through May 12 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Basil in Garrison, MO
Christian County, Missouri gardeners: here's your July plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Christian County, Missouri this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for basil
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
August will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Garrison, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 983 feet, Christian County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Basil during the growing season.
Garrison Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Garrison
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Christian County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Christian 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 — Garrison, MO
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Christian County
Growing Tips for Basil in Garrison
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 14 in Christian 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 Garrison, MO?
In Garrison, MO, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Garrison, MO for Basil?
Garrison sits in USDA Zone 6b. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Garrison's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Garrison's temperate climate. Garrison averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 21.
Your Christian County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Christian 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.