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When to plant Corn in Tift County, GA

The best window to plant Corn in Tift County, is March 14–April 4, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 7; first frost November 18.

When to Plant Corn in Tift County, GA

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.

Tift County, 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 139 feet, Tift County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, 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.

Tift County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Tift County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Corn to Grow

1-2 ears
Average yield per plant
15
Plants per person
30 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Tift County's 256-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Corn

Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tift County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline — Tift County, 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

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Tift County

Growing Tips for Tift County

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

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Corn in Tift County, GA?

Tift County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tift County, GA?

Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Corn in Tift County, GA?

In Tift County, 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 Tift County, GA for Corn?

Tift County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Tift County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Tift County's temperate climate. Tift County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

🌱

Your Tift County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tift 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Tift County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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