When to plant Corn in Ida County, IA
Plant Corn in Ida County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 2. Continue planting through May 23 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Corn in Ida County, IA
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.
Ida County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 920 feet, Ida County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Ida County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Ida County's 166-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Corn Planting Timeline — Ida County, IA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 29 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Ida County
Growing Tips for Ida 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Ida County, IA?
Ida County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ida County, IA?
Ida County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Corn in Ida County, IA?
In Ida County, IA, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ida County, IA for Corn?
Ida County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Ida County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Ida County's temperate climate. Ida County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 8.
Your Ida County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ida 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.