When to Plant Corn in Gage County, NE
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.
Gage County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 896 feet, Gage County receives approximately 23.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Gage County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Corn Planting Timeline — Gage County, NE
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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
173 days
Growing Tips for Gage 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 Gage County, NE?
Gage County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gage County, NE?
Gage County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Gage County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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