When to Plant Sweet Corn in Tyler County, TX
May in the garden — Tyler County, Texas
Your garden in Tyler County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Basket week: sweet corn
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: sweet corn
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.
Tyler County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 378 feet, Tyler County receives approximately 75.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Sweet Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sweet Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.
Tyler County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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 Tyler County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Sweet Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Tyler County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sweet Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Sweet Corn.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Sweet Corn.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.7" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 11.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 13.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.3" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Tyler 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 — Tyler County, TX
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 13 | Mar 13 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 26 |
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 | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Tyler County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Tyler County
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after March 06 in Tyler County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Tyler County dries quickly — mulch Sweet Corn with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Tyler County, TX?
Tyler County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tyler County, TX?
Tyler County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.
Your Tyler County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tyler County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.