When to Plant Onion in Alcorn County, MS
May to-do list for Alcorn County, Mississippi
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Alcorn County, Mississippi this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Sow onion in trays indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: onion
Onions are a fundamental kitchen staple available in yellow, white, and red varieties. Choose long-day, short-day, or intermediate types based on your latitude.
Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 211 days.
At an elevation of 195 feet, Alcorn County receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Onion during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Onion, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Onion root diseases.
Alcorn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Alcorn County
How your county's soil matches Onion's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Onion's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Alcorn County is excellent for Onion — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Onion.
How to Plant Onion
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Onion
Onion needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Onion Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Alcorn County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Onion 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.
Onion Planting Timeline — Alcorn County, MS
Onion Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
211 days in Alcorn County
Growing Tips for Onion in Alcorn County
Direct sow Onion outdoors after March 31 in Alcorn County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Alcorn County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Onion. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Onion in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Match day-length type to your latitude. Stop watering when tops begin to fall over and cure bulbs for 2-3 weeks before storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
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Onion in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Onion in Alcorn County, MS?
Alcorn County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Onion planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Alcorn County, MS?
Alcorn County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Alcorn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Alcorn County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.