When to Plant Corn in Burke County, ND
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.
Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 1,146 feet, Burke County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Burke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Corn Planting Timeline — Burke County, ND
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
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 3b
Growing Season
133 days
Growing Tips for Burke 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 Burke County, ND?
Burke County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Burke County, ND?
Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Burke County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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