When to Plant Corn in Big Horn County, MT
May in Big Horn County, Montana — your action list
Each item below is timed to Big Horn County, Montana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Put corn seeds straight in the ground
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
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.
Big Horn County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 5,955 feet, Big Horn County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Big Horn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 Big Horn County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Big Horn County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 2.9" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Big Horn 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 — Big Horn County, MT
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 |
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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Big Horn County
Growing Tips for Corn in Big Horn County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after May 13 in Big Horn 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.
Big Horn County receives only 22" of rain annually. Corn needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Big Horn County
Ultra-early corn varieties for your season
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 Big Horn County, MT?
Big Horn County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Big Horn County, MT?
Big Horn County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Big Horn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Big Horn County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.