When to Plant Corn in Kaufman County, TX
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.
Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 144 feet, Kaufman County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Kaufman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-8.3
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 Kaufman County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.3) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (48% clay) in Kaufman County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kaufman 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 — Kaufman County, TX
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Kaufman County
Growing Tips for Corn in Kaufman County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after March 12 in Kaufman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Kaufman County's clay soil (48% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Corn. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Kaufman County, TX?
Kaufman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kaufman County, TX?
Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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