When to Plant Corn in Benzie County, MI
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.
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,075 feet, Benzie County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Benzie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Corn Planting Timeline — Benzie County, MI
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
154 days
Growing Tips for Benzie 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
Level Up Your Garden
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benzie County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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