When to Plant Sweet Corn in Phelps County, NE
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.
Phelps County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 983 feet, Phelps County receives approximately 24.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Phelps County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 — Phelps County, NE
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
157 days
Growing Tips for Phelps 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 Phelps County, NE?
Phelps County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phelps County, NE?
Phelps County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Phelps County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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