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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Roosevelt 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.

Roosevelt County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.

At an elevation of 7,123 feet, Roosevelt County receives approximately 19.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78ยฐF, 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.

Roosevelt County, MT (Zone 3b) Short season
124 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
124 growing days
First Fall Frost September 18

Roosevelt County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Aug 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Sep 16

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 436 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Sweet Corn needs ~638 GDD — county provides 1,054 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Roosevelt County, MT

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 21
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Sep 13

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 Direct Sow
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 3b

Growing Season

124 days

Growing Tips for Roosevelt 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 Roosevelt County, MT?

Roosevelt County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Roosevelt County, MT?

Roosevelt County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Roosevelt County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Roosevelt County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.