When to Plant Corn in Nelson County, ND
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.
Nelson County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 547 feet, Nelson County receives approximately 33.3 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.
Nelson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Nelson County's 138-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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Nelson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Corn Planting Timeline — Nelson County, ND
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 |
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 4a
📆 Growing Season
138 days in Nelson County
Growing Tips for Nelson 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 Nelson County, ND?
Nelson County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nelson County, ND?
Nelson County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Nelson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nelson County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.