Blog

When to plant Corn in Pennington County, MN

In Pennington County, Corn is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 24–June 14 for an 60–100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 30 first frost.

When to Plant Corn in Pennington County, MN

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.

Pennington County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 854 feet, Pennington County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

Pennington County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
143 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Pennington 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 Pennington County's 143-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Corn Planting Timeline — Pennington County, MN

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 20

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 3b

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Pennington County

Growing Tips for Pennington 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 Pennington County, MN?

Pennington County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pennington County, MN?

Pennington County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 30.

When should I plant Corn in Pennington County, MN?

In Pennington County, MN, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pennington County, MN for Corn?

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

Can Corn grow in Pennington County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Pennington County's temperate climate. Pennington County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 30.

🌱

Your Pennington County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pennington County (Zone 3b). 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 Pennington County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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