When to plant Corn in Bodega, CA
For Bodega, gardeners: plant Corn March 5 through March 26 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Corn in Bodega, CA
What to do in June
Your garden in Sonoma County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Start harvesting corn
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: corn
Corn is a warm-season grass grown for its sweet ears, which are best eaten soon after harvest. It is wind-pollinated and must be planted in blocks for good kernel fill.
Bodega, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 91 feet, Sonoma County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Bodega Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Corn 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 Bodega
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Sonoma County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Corn
Corn needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.8" | 5.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.1" | 6.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.4" | 6.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Sonoma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn 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.
Corn Planting Timeline — Bodega, CA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 7 | May 7 – Jul 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Sonoma County
Growing Tips for Corn in Bodega
Direct sow Corn outdoors after February 26 in Sonoma County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Sonoma County dries quickly — mulch Corn with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than single rows for proper pollination. Direct sow after soil reaches 60F. Side-dress with nitrogen when plants are knee-high.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
When should I plant Corn in Bodega, CA?
In Bodega, CA, plant Corn after the last frost (around February 26) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bodega, CA for Corn?
Bodega sits in USDA Zone 9b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Bodega's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Bodega's temperate climate. Bodega averages a 274-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 26 and first frost around November 26.
Your Sonoma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sonoma County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.