When to Plant Sweet Corn in Phillips County, MT
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.
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sweet Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Phillips County, MT
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
126 days
Growing Tips for Phillips 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
Level Up Your Garden
Sweet Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, MT?
Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Phillips County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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