When to Plant Corn in Hughes County, SD
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.
Hughes County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 633 feet, Hughes County receives approximately 32.6 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.
Hughes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Corn to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Hughes County's 144-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Corn Planting Timeline — Hughes County, SD
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Hughes County
Growing Tips for Hughes 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 Hughes County, SD?
Hughes County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hughes County, SD?
Hughes County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 2.
Your Hughes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hughes County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.