When to plant basil in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA

Start basil from seed indoors Apr 8–22, then plant the young plants in the garden in Aberdeen and Hoquiam May 20 – Jun 17.

Moderate Plant young plants (starts)

Why these dates

Aberdeen and Hoquiam's typical last spring frost is March 30. Frost kills basil, and warm-season crops also need warm soil. Soil here stays cold for weeks after the last frost, so planting waits until about May 20.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12 inches apart
Planting depth: Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot
Frost: Killed by frost
First harvest: About 60 days after planting

Step by step

Start seeds indoors Apr 8–22 in trays or small pots under a grow light or in your sunniest window. Or skip this step and buy young plants (starts) at a garden center.
Harden off the young plants: about a week before planting, set them outside for a few hours a day, a little longer each day.
Plant them in the garden May 20 – Jun 17, 12 inches apart. Plant starts at the depth they grew in the pot.
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little every day, and mulch once the soil is warm.
Harvest: Pinch off the top pair of leaves often so plants bush out, and remove flower buds.

Varieties that do well here

Genovese
Thai
Spicy Globe

Watch out for

Cold. Basil blackens below about 40°F, so it goes out last and comes in at the first chilly night.

Blackens below about 40°F, so it's the last thing to go out.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA?

Typically March 30. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 25. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Hoquiam Bowerman Airport.

Is it too late to plant basil in Aberdeen and Hoquiam?

The spring planting window runs through June 17. Later plantings may not have time to produce before the first fall frost, which usually arrives around November 14.

When should I start basil from seed indoors in Aberdeen and Hoquiam?

April 8 to April 22, which is 6 to 4 weeks before the May 20 planting date. Or buy young plants at a garden center instead.