When to Plant Corn in Fayette County, IA
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.
Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,228 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Fayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.8
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 Fayette County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–6.8) is within Corn's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fayette County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 27 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Corn Planting Timeline — Fayette County, IA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Fayette County
Growing Tips for Corn in Fayette County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after May 05 in Fayette 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
Level Up Your Garden
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Fayette County, IA?
Fayette County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fayette County, IA?
Fayette County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Fayette County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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