Garden Guide

Garden Guide for Basel, Northwestern Switzerland

Basel is located in the temperate climate zone 7b and benefits from the mild climate of the Rhine Valley. The soils are often fertile and well-draining, but can vary depending on the location. Make sure to provide good humus to create optimal growing conditions.

In Basel, climate zone 7b, you can start sowing after the last frost in early April. Sow frost-sensitive plants like beans and cucumbers from June onwards, while you can harvest garden lettuce from April to October. Radishes are ready for sowing from March to September, and carrots from April to July.

Zone 7b Last frost: Early April First frost: Early November temperate

Also applies to: Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, Rheinfelden, Mulhouse, Freiburg im Breisgau

Plan your Basel garden in the Fryd app

Planting Calendar

When to start indoors, sow outdoors, and harvest in Basel.

Light Water Nutrients

Start indoors Sowing Harvest

Planting calendar for Basel, Zone 7b
Crop	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Carrots ●●● ●●○ ●○○
Lettuce (Lettuce) ●●○ ●●○ ●●○
Cucumber / Gherkin ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Courgette / Zucchini ●●● ●●● ●●●
Pepper / Paprika ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Potato ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Radishes ●●● ●●○ ●○○
Tomato (Bush tomato) ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Tomato (Cocktail bush tomato) ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Onion ●●● ●●○ ●●○
Bean (Dwarf bean) ●●● ●●○ ●○○
Pea ●●● ●●○ ●○○
Basil ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Beetroot ●●● ●●○ ●●○
Strawberry ●●● ●●○ ●●●
Kohlrabi / German turnip / Turnip cabbage ●●● ●●○ ●●○
Garlic ●●● ●●○ ●○○
Pumpkin / Squash ●●● ●●● ●●●
Broccoli ●●● ●●● ●●●
Chard ●●○ ●●○ ●●○

Carrots ●●● ●●○ ●○○

Lettuce (Lettuce) ●●○ ●●○ ●●○

Cucumber / Gherkin ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Courgette / Zucchini ●●● ●●● ●●●

Pepper / Paprika ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Potato ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Radishes ●●● ●●○ ●○○

Tomato (Bush tomato) ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Tomato (Cocktail bush tomato) ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Onion ●●● ●●○ ●●○

Bean (Dwarf bean) ●●● ●●○ ●○○

Pea ●●● ●●○ ●○○

Basil ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Beetroot ●●● ●●○ ●●○

Strawberry ●●● ●●○ ●●●

Kohlrabi / German turnip / Turnip cabbage ●●● ●●○ ●●○

Garlic ●●● ●●○ ●○○

Pumpkin / Squash ●●● ●●● ●●●

Broccoli ●●● ●●● ●●●

Chard ●●○ ●●○ ●●○

Planting Calendar Basel

Carrots: Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: low)
Lettuce (Lettuce): Start indoors Mar - Sep, Sowing Apr - Oct, Harvest Apr - Oct (Light: medium, Water: medium, Nutrients: medium)
Cucumber / Gherkin: Start indoors May - Jun, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Jul - Sep (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Courgette / Zucchini: Start indoors Apr - Jun, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: high, Nutrients: high)
Pepper / Paprika: Start indoors Mar - Apr, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Aug - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Potato: Start indoors Mar - Apr, Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Radishes: Sowing Mar - Sep, Harvest Jun - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: low)
Tomato (Bush tomato): Start indoors Mar - May, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Tomato (Cocktail bush tomato): Start indoors Mar - May, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Onion: Start indoors Feb - Mar, Sowing Mar - May, Harvest Aug - Sep (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: medium)
Bean (Dwarf bean): Start indoors May - Jun, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Jul - Sep (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: low)
Pea: Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jun - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: low)
Basil: Start indoors Apr - Jul, Sowing Jun - Aug, Harvest Jun - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Beetroot: Start indoors Mar - Apr, Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: medium)
Strawberry: Start indoors Mar - May, Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jun - Sep (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: high)
Kohlrabi / German turnip / Turnip cabbage: Start indoors Mar - Jun, Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jun - Oct (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: medium)
Garlic: Sowing Sep - Nov, Harvest Jun - Aug (Light: high, Water: medium, Nutrients: low)
Pumpkin / Squash: Start indoors Apr - Jun, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Sep - Oct (Light: high, Water: high, Nutrients: high)
Broccoli: Start indoors Mar - May, Sowing Jun - Jul, Harvest Jul - Oct (Light: high, Water: high, Nutrients: high)
Chard: Start indoors Feb - May, Sowing Apr - Jul, Harvest Jun - Oct (Light: medium, Water: medium, Nutrients: medium)

Based on Fryd planting data for Zone 7b, 2026.

Companion Planting for Basel

Plants that thrive together in Northwestern Switzerland.

Lettuce (Lettuce) + Carrots

Chard + Carrots

Lettuce (Lettuce) + Radishes

Onion + Cucumber / Gherkin

Garlic + Cucumber / Gherkin

Plan companions visually

Drag and drop crops in the Fryd bed planner to see companion matches.

Try Fryd →

Growing Tips for Basel

Starting Seeds Indoors for a Head Start

Many crops like garden lettuce or Swiss chard benefit from starting seeds indoors from February/March. This protects young plants from late frosts and allows for an earlier harvest. Use fine seed-starting mix and press the seeds in lightly.

Soil Quality is Key

Ensure loose, humus-rich, and well-draining soil, especially for radishes and onions. Good soil preparation with compost promotes root growth and nutrient uptake. Avoid waterlogging, which harms many plants.

Consistent Watering

Plants like broccoli, pumpkin, and radishes need consistent moisture to thrive. In dry conditions, radishes can become woody, while broccoli and pumpkin may suffer reduced yields. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

Protecting Frost-Sensitive Crops

Wait to plant out frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and zucchini until after the last frost in early April. Starting them indoors is very beneficial here to get strong seedlings. Make sure soil temperatures are sufficiently warm.

Common Pests & Diseases

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Keeping Snails in Check

Snails are a common nuisance, especially for lettuce and young seedlings. Collect them regularly, install slug fences, or use organic slug pellets. Encourage natural predators like hedgehogs and birds in your garden.

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Naturally Combating Aphids

Aphids can weaken many plants, especially basil and young shoots. Rinse them off with a strong stream of water or use a soapy solution. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural helpers you can attract.

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Cabbage Root Fly in Brassicas

The cabbage root fly can damage kohlrabi and broccoli as its larvae feed on the roots. Protect your plants with horticultural fleece (or insect netting) applied directly after planting. Companion planting with celery can also help.

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Late Blight in Tomatoes

This fungal disease often affects tomatoes and potatoes, especially in humid weather. Ensure sufficient spacing between plants and remove lower leaves to improve air circulation. Choose resistant varieties and always water from below.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I plant tomatoes in Basel?

Tomatoes are frost-sensitive, so you should only plant them outdoors in Basel after the last frost, which means from June onwards. Starting them indoors is possible from March to May to get strong seedlings. Harvesting then takes place from July to October.

What climate zone is Basel in?

Basel is in climate zone 7b. This means you can expect relatively mild winters, allowing for the cultivation of a wide variety of plants. Still, pay attention to the specific needs of each crop.

Which vegetables grow particularly well in Basel?

Many vegetables thrive excellently in Basel, including garden lettuce, radishes, Swiss chard, and carrots. Heat-loving crops like tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkins are also very successful with indoor starting and a good location. Also, try strawberries for a sweet harvest.

When is the last frost in Basel?

The last frost in Basel is typically expected in early April. After that, you can plant frost-sensitive plants outdoors. However, always be mindful of weather changes to protect your young plants if needed.