When to plant basil in zone 5a
In zone 5a, the last spring frost usually comes around May 4 and the first fall frost around Oct 3. Here is when to plant basil.
Start seeds indoorsMar 23
Plant in the bedMay 18
Start pickingJul 17
Your basil calendar for zone 5a
- Mar 23: Start basil seeds indoors (or buy plants later)
- May 18: Plant basil in the bed
- Jul 17: Start picking basil
Pinch off flower buds so it keeps making leaves. Grows well next to tomatoes.
Spacing in a raised bed: 4 plants per square foot.
These dates are estimates from the average frost dates for zone 5a. Your local frost dates may be a week or two different. If a late cold snap is forecast, wait a few days.
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