Blog

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Menard 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.

Menard County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.

At an elevation of 2,779 feet, Menard County receives approximately 56.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Menard County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
223 days
Last Spring Frost March 31
223 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Menard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 31

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,369 GDD — county provides 4,069 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Menard County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 28
Harvest June 9 Jun 9 โ€“ Jul 21

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 โ€”
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

223 days

Growing Tips for Menard 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 Menard County, TX?

Menard County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 31. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Menard County, TX?

Menard County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 31 and first fall frost is November 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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