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When to plant Corn in Kent County, MI

Spring Corn in Kent County goes in May 14–June 4, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Corn in Kent County, MI

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.

Kent County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.

At an elevation of 617 feet, Kent County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

Kent County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
155 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
155 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 Kent County's 155-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Corn Planting Timeline — Kent County, MI

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 – Jun 4
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 – Sep 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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

155 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent 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 Kent County, MI?

Kent County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, MI?

Kent County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Corn in Kent County, MI?

In Kent County, MI, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 7) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, MI for Corn?

Kent 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 Kent County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 7 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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