When to Plant Corn in Butler County, PA
Butler County, Pennsylvania gardeners: here's your May plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Butler County, Pennsylvania this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Put corn seeds straight in the ground
Succession planting is the secret here. Put in a row now, another in 2 weeks, a third in 4.
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.
Butler County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,098 feet, Butler County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.
Butler County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Butler County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.3) is more acidic than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Butler County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.8" | 2.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Butler County). 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 — Butler County, PA
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Butler County
Growing Tips for Corn in Butler County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after April 29 in Butler County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Butler County, PA?
Butler County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Butler County, PA?
Butler County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Butler County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Butler County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.