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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Adams County, WA

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.

Adams County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.

At an elevation of 2,402 feet, Adams County receives approximately 17.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sweet Corn successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Adams County, WA (Zone 6b) Short season
149 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
149 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Adams County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Aug 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (51 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 4

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 824 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Sweet Corn needs ~1,369 GDD — county provides 2,719 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Adams County, WA

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 4
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6b

Growing Season

149 days

Growing Tips for Adams 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 Adams County, WA?

Adams County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Adams County, WA?

Adams County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Adams County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Adams County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.