When to Plant Corn in Pennington 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.
Pennington County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 976 feet, Pennington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Pennington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
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 Pennington County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.7) overlaps with Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Pennington County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Pennington 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 — Pennington County, SD
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 18 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
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
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Pennington County
Growing Tips for Corn in Pennington County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after May 14 in Pennington 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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Pennington County
Ultra-early corn varieties for your season
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 Pennington County, SD?
Pennington County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pennington County, SD?
Pennington County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Pennington County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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