When to Plant Corn in Pike County, MS
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.
Pike County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 248 days.
At an elevation of 325 feet, Pike County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, 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.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 Pike County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Pike County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Pike 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 — Pike County, MS
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | May 22 | May 22 – Jul 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
248 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Corn in Pike County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after March 13 in Pike County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Pike County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Corn. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Pike County
Heat-tolerant varieties that silk well in high temps
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 Pike County, MS?
Pike County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, MS?
Pike County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pike County gardeners in Zone 8a 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.