When to plant Corn in Sumner, GA
Sumner gardeners should plant Corn between March 14 and April 4 in spring. With Sumner's Zone 9a climate (last frost March 7), Corn needs 60–100 days to mature — plant by August 10 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Corn in Sumner, GA
Your July planting checklist for Worth County, Georgia
July is a pivotal month for Worth County, Georgia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Harvest corn as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Sumner, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 190 feet, Worth County receives approximately 58.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Sumner Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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 Sumner
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Worth County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
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 Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Corn 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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 5.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.6" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Worth 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 — Sumner, GA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 11 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Worth County
Growing Tips for Corn in Sumner
Direct sow Corn outdoors after March 07 in Worth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Worth County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Corn. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Worth County, provide afternoon shade for Corn and water deeply in the morning.
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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Sumner
Heat-tolerant varieties that silk well in high temps
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 Sumner, GA?
In Sumner, GA, plant Corn after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner, GA for Corn?
Sumner sits in USDA Zone 9a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Sumner's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Sumner's temperate climate. Sumner averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Worth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Worth County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.