When to plant Corn in Willows,
Aim to plant Corn in Willows on or after March 13; the window stays open through April 3. Willows's 267-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle.
When to Plant Corn in Willows, CA
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Willows, CA this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest corn as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Willows, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 270 feet, Glenn County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Willows Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
Drainage
Well Drained
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 Willows
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.9) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Glenn County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 0.7" | 5.8" | 🚿 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" | 0.3" | 6.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Glenn 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 — Willows, CA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| 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
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Glenn County
Growing Tips for Corn in Willows
Direct sow Corn outdoors after March 06 in Glenn County 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
When should I plant Corn in Willows, ?
In Willows, , plant Corn after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Willows, for Corn?
Willows sits in USDA Zone 9b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Willows's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Willows's temperate climate. Willows averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 28.
Your Glenn County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Glenn County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.