When to plant Corn in Worcester County, MA
Worcester County gardeners should plant Corn between May 1 and May 22 in spring. With Worcester County's Zone 6a climate (last frost April 24), Corn needs 100 days to mature — plant by July 9 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Corn in Worcester County, MA
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Worcester County, Massachusetts this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: 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.
Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6a. 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 972 feet, Worcester County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Worcester County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Corn Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Worcester County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.3) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Worcester County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 09 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Corn
Corn needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Worcester County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Corn Planting Timeline — Worcester 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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Worcester County
Growing Tips for Corn in Worcester County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 24 in Worcester County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Worcester County, MA?
Worcester County is in Zone 6a 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 Worcester County, MA?
Worcester County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Corn in Worcester County, MA?
In Worcester 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 Worcester County, MA for Corn?
Worcester 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 Worcester County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Worcester County's temperate climate. Worcester County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.
Your Worcester County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Worcester 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.