Blog

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Ector 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.

Ector County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.

At an elevation of 3,652 feet, Ector County receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 93Β°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Sweet Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Ector County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
233 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
233 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Ector County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.5

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 β€” 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 8.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ector County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline β€” Ector County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest June 1 Jun 1 – Jul 13

Plant 1" deep Β· 12" apart Β· Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

233 days in Ector County

Growing Tips for Ector 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 Ector County, TX?

Ector County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ector County, TX?

Ector County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Ector County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Ector County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.