When to plant Corn in Lake County, MI
Lake County's 145-day season only supports one Corn planting per year. Sow between May 21 and June 11 for the best chance at full maturity before October 6.
When to Plant Corn in Lake County, MI
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.
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Lake County's 145-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Corn Planting Timeline — Lake County, MI
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Corn in Lake County, MI?
In Lake County, MI, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, MI for Corn?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Lake County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 6.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.