When to plant Corn in Kankakee, IL
In Kankakee, plant Corn in spring between April 27 and May 18, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Kankakee's last frost averages April 20, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–100 days before the first frost on October 14.
When to Plant Corn in Kankakee, IL
Kankakee County, Illinois gardeners: here's your June plan
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Kankakee County, Illinois.
-
It's harvest week for corn
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Kankakee, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Kankakee Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 Kankakee
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Corn's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kankakee County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.7" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kankakee 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 — Kankakee, IL
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 24 |
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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kankakee County
Growing Tips for Corn in Kankakee
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 20 in Kankakee 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 Kankakee, IL?
In Kankakee, IL, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kankakee, IL for Corn?
Kankakee sits in USDA Zone 5b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Kankakee's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Kankakee's temperate climate. Kankakee averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.
Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.