When to plant Corn in Story County, IA
For Corn in Story County, the safe spring window opens around May 7 and closes around May 28. Last expected frost is April 30, first fall frost October 7, giving a 160-day growing season.
When to Plant Corn in Story 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.
Story County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,177 feet, Story County receives approximately 34.3 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.
Story 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 Story County's 160-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Corn Planting Timeline — Story County, IA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 3 |
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 | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Story County
Growing Tips for Story 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 Story County, IA?
Story County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Story County, IA?
Story County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Corn in Story County, IA?
In Story County, IA, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Story County, IA for Corn?
Story 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 Story County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Story County's temperate climate. Story County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Story County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Story 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.