Blog

When to Plant Corn in Chicot County, AR

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.

Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 1,421 feet, Chicot County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.

Chicot County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Chicot County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

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 Chicot County's 243-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 β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Chicot County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline β€” Chicot County, AR

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 11
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–100 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

243 days in Chicot County

Growing Tips for Chicot 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 Chicot County, AR?

Chicot County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chicot County, AR?

Chicot County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Chicot County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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