When to plant Corn in Clinton County, MO
Corn planted in Clinton County between April 20 and May 11 matures in 60–100 days — well before the October 25 first frost.
When to Plant Corn in Clinton County, MO
Top priorities for Clinton County, Missouri gardeners in June
June is a pivotal month for Clinton County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect corn at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: 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.
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 525 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 36.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
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 Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Corn Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Corn
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 | Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Corn Planting Timeline — Clinton County, MO
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Corn in Clinton County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 13 in Clinton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for 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 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Corn in Clinton County, MO?
In Clinton County, MO, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clinton County, MO for Corn?
Clinton County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Clinton County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 25.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.