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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Brown County, TX

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.

Brown County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 4,423 feet, Brown County receives approximately 55.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Sweet Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Brown County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jun 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 27

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
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 38 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,650 GDD — county provides 5,214 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Brown County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 19
Harvest May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jul 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 8a

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Brown 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 Brown County, TX?

Brown County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brown County, TX?

Brown County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Brown County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Brown County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.