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When to plant Sweet Corn in Bristol County, MA

Aim to plant Sweet Corn in Bristol County on or after May 3; the window stays open through May 24. Bristol County's 174-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option.

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Bristol County, MA

Sweet corn is bred for high sugar content in its kernels, which convert to starch rapidly after harvest. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer.

Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.

Bristol County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 26
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Bristol County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn

Sweet 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 Sweet Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Bristol County, MA

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Aug 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Bristol County

Growing Tips for Bristol County

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for wind pollination. Direct sow after soil is warm. Isolate supersweet varieties from other corn types to prevent cross-pollination.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Bristol County, MA?

Bristol County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bristol County, MA?

Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Bristol County, MA?

In Bristol County, MA, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bristol County, MA for Sweet Corn?

Bristol County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Corn grow in Bristol County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Bristol County's temperate climate. Bristol County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol County (Zone 7a). 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 Bristol County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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