When to Plant Corn in Windsor-Essex, ON
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.
Windsor-Essex, Ontario is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 623 feet, Windsor-Essex receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Corn, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Windsor-Essex Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Corn
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 180 sq ft. In Windsor-Essex's 220-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 5.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.6" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Windsor-Essex). 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 — Windsor-Essex, ON
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Windsor-Essex
Growing Tips for Corn in Windsor-Essex
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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.
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 Windsor-Essex, ON?
Windsor-Essex is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Windsor-Essex, ON?
Windsor-Essex, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Windsor-Essex gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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