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When to plant Corn in Middlesex County, MA

For Middlesex County, gardeners: plant Corn May 1 through May 22 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Corn in Middlesex County, MA

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.

Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 117 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.

Middlesex County, MA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Middlesex County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

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 Middlesex 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 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Middlesex County, MA

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 28

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

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Middlesex County

Growing Tips for Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, MA?

Middlesex County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Middlesex County, MA?

Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Corn in Middlesex County, MA?

In Middlesex County, MA, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Middlesex County, MA for Corn?

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

Can Corn grow in Middlesex County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Middlesex County's temperate climate. Middlesex County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Middlesex County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Middlesex County (Zone 6b). 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 Middlesex County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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