When to plant Sweet Corn in Compton, CA
For Compton, gardeners: plant Sweet Corn April 10 through May 1 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Sweet Corn in Compton, CA
This month in Los Angeles County, California
A quick July briefing for Los Angeles County, California gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
Sweet corn is bred for high sugar content in its kernels, which convert to starch rapidly after harvest. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer.
Compton, California is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 1,315 feet, Los Angeles County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sweet Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Sweet Corn 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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.5) overlaps with Sweet Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Los Angeles County is excellent for Sweet Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Sweet Corn.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
Sweet Corn Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn
Sweet 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 | Sweet Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.4" | 6.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 0.1" | 6.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 0" | 6.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 0.2" | 6.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 0.6" | 5.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Los Angeles County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet 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.
Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Compton, CA
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 24 |
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 | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Los Angeles County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Compton
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after April 03 in Los Angeles County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Sweet Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Los Angeles County receives only 13" of rain annually. Sweet Corn needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for wind pollination. Direct sow after soil is warm. Isolate supersweet varieties from other corn types to prevent cross-pollination.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Corn in Other Locations
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Compton, CA?
In Compton, CA, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, CA for Sweet Corn?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 10b. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Corn grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 21.
Your Los Angeles County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Los Angeles County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.