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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Harrison 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.

Harrison County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 168 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 63.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Sweet Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Sweet Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Harrison County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Harrison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (139 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (141 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jun 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 19

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 461 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,650 GDD — county provides 5,412 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Harrison County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 10
Harvest May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jul 3

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

246 days

Growing Tips for Harrison 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 Harrison County, TX?

Harrison County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Harrison County, TX?

Harrison County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Harrison 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 Harrison County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.