When to Plant Corn in Gloucester, VA
This month in Gloucester County, Virginia
June is a pivotal month for Gloucester County, Virginia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: 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.
Gloucester, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 817 feet, Gloucester County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Gloucester Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Gloucester
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Gloucester County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Gloucester 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 — Gloucester, VA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
217 days in Gloucester County
Growing Tips for Corn in Gloucester
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 01 in Gloucester County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Your Gloucester County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gloucester County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.