When to Plant Corn in Bibb County, GA
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.
Bibb County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 218 feet, Bibb County receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Corn, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Bibb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Bibb County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5โ6.6) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0โ7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bibb County is excellent for Corn โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 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 | โ | 4.9" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 5.3" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 6" | 0.5" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | ๐ง Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.1" | 1.4" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.4" | 1.1" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.3" | 0.2" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Dec | โ | 4.5" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in Bibb County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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 โ Bibb County, GA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 โ Apr 19 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 โ Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | โ |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | โ |
| September | โ |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
1.5"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient
๐ Days to Maturity
60โ100 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
๐ Growing Season
229 days in Bibb County
Growing Tips for Corn in Bibb County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after March 22 in Bibb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bibb County's clay soil (33% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Corn. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Bibb County, GA?
Bibb County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bibb County, GA?
Bibb County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner โ designed to help Bibb 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.