When to plant Corn in Phillips County, MT
In Phillips County, Corn is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 1–June 22 for an 60–100-day harvest, finishing well before the September 21 first frost.
When to Plant Corn in Phillips 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.
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°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.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Phillips County's 126-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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 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" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Planting Timeline — Phillips County, MT
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
When should I plant Corn in Phillips County, MT?
In Phillips County, MT, plant Corn after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, MT for Corn?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Corn grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Corn grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 21.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.