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When to plant Corn in Benton County, MS

Aim to plant Corn in Benton County on or after April 6; the window stays open through April 27. Benton County's 215-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.

When to Plant Corn in Benton County, MS

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.

Benton County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.

At an elevation of 470 feet, Benton County receives approximately 62 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Corn, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.

Benton County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
215 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
215 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.3

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 Benton County's 215-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 5.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 5.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Benton County, MS

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 – Aug 3

Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 7b

📆 Growing Season

215 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, MS?

Benton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, MS?

Benton County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Corn in Benton County, MS?

In Benton County, MS, plant Corn after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Benton County, MS for Corn?

Benton County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Corn grow in Benton County's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 215-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 31.

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Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 7b). 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 Benton County, MS. 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.