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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Allegan County, MI

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.

Allegan County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,257 feet, Allegan County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.

Allegan County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Allegan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Aug 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 3

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 67 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 2,392 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Allegan County, MI

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 30
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Aug 22

Plant 1" deep ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

165 days

Growing Tips for Allegan County

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

  • Tomatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Allegan County, MI?

Allegan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Allegan County, MI?

Allegan County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Allegan County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Allegan County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.