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When to plant Corn in Murray County, MN

Spring Corn in Murray County goes in May 11–June 1, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Corn in Murray County, MN

Corn
Murray County, Minnesota Zone 5a August

August in the garden — Murray County, Minnesota

A quick August briefing for Murray County, Minnesota gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost May 4
Avg. first frost October 2
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs
  1. Collect corn at their peak

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

Looking ahead to September
  • First harvests: corn

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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.

Murray County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Murray County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

Murray County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Murray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

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 Murray County's 151-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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Murray County, MN

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 11 May 11 – Jun 1
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 7

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 5a

📆 Growing Season

151 days in Murray County

Growing Tips for Murray 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 Murray County, MN?

Murray County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Murray County, MN?

Murray County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Corn in Murray County, MN?

In Murray County, MN, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Murray County, MN for Corn?

Murray County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Murray County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Murray County's temperate climate. Murray County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Murray County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Murray 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Murray County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.