When to Plant Sweet Corn in Wood County, TX
Top priorities for Wood County, Texas gardeners in May
A quick May briefing for Wood County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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It's harvest week for sweet corn
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Wood County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 249 days.
At an elevation of 15 feet, Wood County receives approximately 65.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. 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.
Wood County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.5
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 Wood County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.5) overlaps with Sweet Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Wood County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Sweet Corn will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Sweet Corn.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 6.5" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 6.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 4.1" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2.5" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wood 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 — Wood County, TX
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 9 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 2 |
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
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
249 days in Wood County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Wood County
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after March 12 in Wood County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Wood 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 Wood County, TX?
Wood County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wood County, TX?
Wood County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Wood County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wood County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.