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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Clinton County, NY

Sweet corn is bred for high sugar content in its kernels, which convert to starch rapidly after harvest. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer.

Clinton County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 109 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

Clinton County, NY (Zone 5a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn

Sweet 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 Sweet Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Clinton County, NY

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 16 May 16 – Jun 6
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

151 days in Clinton County

Growing Tips for Clinton County

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for wind pollination. Direct sow after soil is warm. Isolate supersweet varieties from other corn types to prevent cross-pollination.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Clinton County, NY?

Clinton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clinton County, NY?

Clinton County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 7.

🌱

Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Clinton 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Clinton County, NY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.