When to plant Corn in Beardstown, IL
For Corn in Beardstown, the safe spring window opens around April 22 and closes around May 13. Last expected frost is April 15, first fall frost October 16, giving a 184-day growing season.
When to Plant Corn in Beardstown, IL
Your July planting checklist for Cass County, Illinois
A quick July briefing for Cass County, Illinois gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Bring in the corn
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to August
- First harvests: 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.
Beardstown, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 703 feet, Cass County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Beardstown Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Beardstown
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cass 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 (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cass 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 — Beardstown, IL
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Corn in Beardstown
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 15 in Cass 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.
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 Beardstown, IL?
In Beardstown, IL, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Beardstown, IL for Corn?
Beardstown sits in USDA Zone 6a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Beardstown's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Beardstown's temperate climate. Beardstown averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 16.
Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cass County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.