When to plant Sweet Corn in Pennington County, MN
Plant Sweet Corn in Pennington County during the brief May 24–June 14 window. With 143 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 30.
When to Plant Sweet Corn in Pennington County, MN
Top priorities for Pennington County, Minnesota gardeners in August
Each item below is timed to Pennington County, Minnesota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
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 Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Pennington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 Pennington County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Sweet Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pennington County is excellent for Sweet Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.9%) — Sweet Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 02 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pennington 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 — Pennington County, MN
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 |
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
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
143 days in Pennington County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Pennington County
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after May 10 in Pennington 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Pennington County, MN?
Pennington County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Sweet 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 Sweet Corn in Pennington County, MN?
In Pennington County, MN, plant Sweet 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 Sweet Corn?
Pennington County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Corn grow in Pennington County's climate?
Yes — Sweet 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.