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When to plant Corn in Marshall County, AL

The best window to plant Corn in Marshall County, is April 12–May 3, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 5; first frost October 31.

When to Plant Corn in Marshall County, AL

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.

Marshall County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 159 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 60.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.

Marshall County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Corn to Grow

1-2 ears
Average yield per plant
15
Plants per person
30 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Marshall County's 209-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Corn

Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marshall County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline — Marshall County, AL

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 12 Apr 12 – May 3
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Aug 9

Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

209 days in Marshall County

Growing Tips for Marshall 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

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Corn in Marshall County, AL?

Marshall County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, AL?

Marshall County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Corn in Marshall County, AL?

In Marshall County, AL, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marshall County, AL for Corn?

Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Marshall County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 209-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marshall County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.