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When to Plant Corn in Covington County, AL

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.

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Covington County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Corn, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.

Covington County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Covington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (108 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 8

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 209 gal / 100 sq ft
Corn needs ~1,700 GDD — county provides 5,015 GDD Excellent fit

Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Covington County, AL

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 17
Harvest May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jul 24

Plant 1" deep ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

236 days

Growing Tips for Covington County

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

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Corn in Covington County, AL?

Covington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Covington County, AL?

Covington County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Covington County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Covington County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.