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When to plant Corn in Mitchell County, KS

Corn planted in Mitchell County between April 23 and May 14 matures in 60–100 days — well before the October 18 first frost.

When to Plant Corn in Mitchell County, KS

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.

Mitchell County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 627 feet, Mitchell County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

Mitchell County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Mitchell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Corn to Grow

1-2 ears
Average yield per plant
15
Plants per person
30 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Mitchell County's 185-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Corn

Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mitchell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Corn Planting Timeline — Mitchell County, KS

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 20

Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Mitchell County

Growing Tips for Mitchell 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

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Corn in Mitchell County, KS?

Mitchell County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mitchell County, KS?

Mitchell County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.

When should I plant Corn in Mitchell County, KS?

In Mitchell County, KS, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mitchell County, KS for Corn?

Mitchell County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Mitchell County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Mitchell County's temperate climate. Mitchell County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.

🌱

Your Mitchell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mitchell 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mitchell County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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