sweet bay in the hill country?

I have one of these that I've kept in a pot for years and I would like very much to put it in the ground this year. DH is concerned it won't do well here, I guess because of the alkaline soil. Any thoughts on this anybody?

I'm assuming you are talking about Laurus nobilis. It is hardy in zone 8. If you have a some high in compost and plant it where it gets morning sun and gets protected from the hot midday sun, I don't think alkaline soil would be a problem unless the soil is highly alkaline. There's an herb garden there in Fredericksburg (second link). You might contact them to see how they protect their trees during winter.
http://www.floridata.com/ref/l/laur_nob.cfm
http://www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com/herb_gardening/sweet_bay.html

Thanks Betty, I'll check those out.:)