When to Plant Sweet Corn in Progreso, TX
Top priorities for Hidalgo County, Texas gardeners in July
Your Hidalgo County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
Sweet corn is bred for high sugar content in its kernels, which convert to starch rapidly after harvest. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer.
Progreso, Texas is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 315 days.
At an elevation of 4,081 feet, Hidalgo County receives approximately 67 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Sweet Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.
Progreso Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Sweet Corn 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 Progreso
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Sweet Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Hidalgo County is excellent for Sweet Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Sweet Corn.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
Sweet Corn Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn
Sweet 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 | Sweet Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Hidalgo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet 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.
Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Progreso, TX
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
315 days in Hidalgo County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Progreso
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after February 06 in Hidalgo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 100°F in Hidalgo County, provide afternoon shade for Sweet Corn and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Sweet 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 for wind pollination. Direct sow after soil is warm. Isolate supersweet varieties from other corn types to prevent cross-pollination.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Corn in Other Locations
Your Hidalgo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hidalgo County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.