When to Plant Corn in James City County, VA
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.
James City County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 584 feet, James City County receives approximately 45.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
James City County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Corn Planting Timeline — James City County, VA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
217 days
Growing Tips for James City 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 James City County, VA?
James City County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is James City County, VA?
James City County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help James City County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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