When to Plant Corn in Shasta County, CA
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.
Shasta County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is June 6 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 81 feet, Shasta County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Shasta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Shasta County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Shasta County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 180 sq ft. In Shasta County's 107-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 7.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.2" | 6.3" | 🚿 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 7.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Shasta 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 — Shasta County, CA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 4 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
107 days in Shasta County
Growing Tips for Corn in Shasta County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after June 06 in Shasta County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Shasta County dries quickly — mulch Corn with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 107.0-day growing season in Shasta County is tight for Corn (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Shasta County
Ultra-early corn varieties for your season
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Shasta County, CA?
Shasta County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of June 6. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Shasta County, CA?
Shasta County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is June 6 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Shasta County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.