When to plant Corn in Adair County County,
Plant Corn in Adair County County from May 1 to May 22 in spring. Adair County County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 24 and first frost on October 9.
When to Plant Corn in Adair County, IA
Your June gardening checklist
Welcome to June in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- 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.
Adair County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 554 feet, Adair County receives approximately 38.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Adair County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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 Adair County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is within Corn's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Adair County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Adair 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 — Adair County, IA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Adair County
Growing Tips for Corn in Adair County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 24 in Adair 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Adair County, IA?
Adair County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adair County, IA?
Adair County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Corn in Adair County County, ?
In Adair County County, , plant Corn after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Adair County County, for Corn?
Adair County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Adair County County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Adair County County's temperate climate. Adair County County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.
Your Adair County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adair 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.