When to Plant Basil in Ontario County, NY
Top priorities for Ontario County, New York gardeners in April
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this April, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
Coming up in May — start thinking about
- Transplants going out: basil
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Ontario County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 33 feet, Ontario County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Ontario County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Ontario County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.6) is more acidic than Basil prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ontario County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ontario 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 — Ontario County, NY
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Ontario County
Growing Tips for Basil in Ontario County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after April 29 in Ontario 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.
Recommended Basil Varieties for Ontario County
Downy mildew-resistant basil for your humid climate
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 Ontario County, NY?
Ontario County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ontario County, NY?
Ontario County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Ontario County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ontario 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.