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When to plant Corn in Washington County, KS

Spring Corn in Washington County goes in April 28–May 19, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Corn in Washington 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.

Washington County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 562 feet, Washington County receives approximately 26.9 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.

Washington County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

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 Washington County's 176-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 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Washington County, KS

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 – May 19
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 25

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

176 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, KS?

Washington County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, KS?

Washington County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Corn in Washington County, KS?

In Washington County, KS, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Washington County, KS for Corn?

Washington 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 Washington County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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 Washington County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.