When to Plant Basil in Dunn County, WI
This month in Dunn County, Wisconsin
Your Dunn County, Wisconsin garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Seed basil outdoors
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: 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.
Dunn County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Dunn County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Dunn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Dunn County
How your county's soil matches Basil's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Basil's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dunn County is excellent for Basil — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Basil.
How to Plant Basil
Succession Planting Basil
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dunn 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 — Dunn County, WI
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Dunn County
Growing Tips for Basil in Dunn County
Direct sow Basil outdoors after May 12 in Dunn 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 Dunn County, WI?
Dunn County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dunn County, WI?
Dunn County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Dunn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dunn County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.