When to Plant Corn in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Your May game plan for Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
A quick May briefing for Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Sow corn where they'll grow
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
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.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,212 feet, Ketchikan Gateway Borough receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 65°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ketchikan Gateway Borough is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.9%) — Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 11 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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 11" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ketchikan Gateway Borough). 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 — Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Growing Tips for Corn in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 25 in Ketchikan Gateway Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Ketchikan Gateway Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ketchikan Gateway Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.