When to plant Corn in Springfield, CO
For Springfield, gardeners: plant Corn April 26 through May 17 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Corn in Springfield, CO
August in the garden — Baca County, Colorado
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this August, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Pick corn
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Springfield, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 4,958 feet, Baca County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Springfield Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 Springfield
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Baca County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 10 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 1.3" | 5.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1" | 5.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1" | 5.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.2" | 5.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.1" | 5.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.1" | 5.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Baca 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 — Springfield, CO
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 23 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Baca County
Growing Tips for Corn in Springfield
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 19 in Baca 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.
Baca County receives only 12" of rain annually. 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 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 Springfield, CO?
In Springfield, CO, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Springfield, CO for Corn?
Springfield sits in USDA Zone 6b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Springfield's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Springfield's temperate climate. Springfield averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 18.
Your Baca County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baca County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.