Blog

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Macon County, TN

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.

Macon County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 2,524 feet, Macon County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.

Macon County, TN (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sweet Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 4.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Macon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Macon County, TN

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

201 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Macon 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Macon County, TN?

Macon County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, TN?

Macon County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Macon County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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