When to plant Corn in Cascade, ID
In Cascade, Corn is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 25–July 16 for an 60–100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 3 first frost.
When to Plant Corn in Cascade, ID
What to do in June
A quick June briefing for Valley County, Idaho gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Direct-sow corn
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
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.
Cascade, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 77 days.
At an elevation of 7,884 feet, Valley County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Cascade Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.4
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 Cascade
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.4) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Valley County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 180 sq ft. In Valley County's 77-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.1" | 5.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Valley 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 — Cascade, ID
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 25 | Jun 25 – Jul 16 |
| Harvest | August 27 | Aug 27 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
77 days in Valley County
Growing Tips for Corn in Cascade
Direct sow Corn outdoors after June 18 in Valley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 77.0-day growing season in Valley County is tight for Corn (60.0-100.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Valley County receives only 18" 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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Cascade
Ultra-early corn varieties for your season
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 Cascade, ID?
In Cascade, ID, plant Corn after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around September 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cascade, ID for Corn?
Cascade sits in USDA Zone 5a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Cascade's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Cascade's temperate climate. Cascade averages a 77-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around September 3.
Your Valley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Valley County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.