Blog

When to plant Corn in Suffolk County, MA

For Corn in Suffolk County, the safe spring window opens around May 1 and closes around May 22. Last expected frost is April 24, first fall frost October 17, giving a 176-day growing season.

When to Plant Corn in Suffolk 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.

Suffolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. 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 984 feet, Suffolk County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.

Suffolk County, MA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Suffolk County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

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 Suffolk 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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Suffolk 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Suffolk County

Growing Tips for Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, MA?

Suffolk County is in Zone 7a 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 Suffolk County, MA?

Suffolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Corn in Suffolk County, MA?

In Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, MA for Corn?

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

Can Corn grow in Suffolk County's climate?

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

🌱

Your Suffolk County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Suffolk 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 Suffolk County, MA. 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.