When to plant Sweet Corn in Shingleton, MI
Plant Sweet Corn in Shingleton after May 10; the prime window is May 17–June 7.
When to Plant Sweet Corn in Shingleton, MI
June in Alger County, Michigan — your action list
Your garden in Alger County, Michigan is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
Sweet corn is bred for high sugar content in its kernels, which convert to starch rapidly after harvest. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer.
Shingleton, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,014 feet, Alger County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Shingleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Sweet 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 Shingleton
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.1) overlaps with Sweet Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Alger County is excellent for Sweet Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sweet Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Sweet Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.
Sweet Corn Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn
Sweet 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 | Sweet Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Alger County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet 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.
Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Shingleton, MI
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 30 |
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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Alger County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Shingleton
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after May 10 in Alger County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Sweet 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 for wind pollination. Direct sow after soil is warm. Isolate supersweet varieties from other corn types to prevent cross-pollination.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Corn in Other Locations
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Shingleton, MI?
In Shingleton, MI, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shingleton, MI for Sweet Corn?
Shingleton sits in USDA Zone 5a. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Corn grow in Shingleton's climate?
Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Shingleton's temperate climate. Shingleton averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 16.
Your Alger County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alger County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.