When to Plant Corn in Lee County, AL
May to-do list for Lee County, Alabama
May is a pivotal month for Lee County, Alabama gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: corn
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.
Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.
At an elevation of 461 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Corn, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lee 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 (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 26 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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light 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 Lee 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 — Lee County, AL
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
221 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Corn in Lee County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after March 27 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee 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.
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 Lee County, AL?
Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, AL?
Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.