When to plant Corn in Carter County, MT
Carter County's 130-day season only supports one Corn planting per year. Sow between May 29 and June 19 for the best chance at full maturity before September 22.
When to Plant Corn in Carter County, MT
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.
Carter County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 7,923 feet, Carter County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Carter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Carter County's 130-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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Planting Timeline — Carter County, MT
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 19 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Carter County
Growing Tips for Carter 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Carter County, MT?
Carter County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carter County, MT?
Carter County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 22.
When should I plant Corn in Carter County, MT?
In Carter County, MT, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carter County, MT for Corn?
Carter County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Carter County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 130-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 22.
Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.