When to Plant Corn in Alabama: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Corn in Alabama

Corn is a staple crop in Alabama, and it’s grown in every county in the state. But when is the best time to plant corn in Alabama?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the variety of corn you’re planting, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to plant corn in Alabama, as well as some tips for growing a successful crop.

We’ll also cover some of the different varieties of corn that are well-suited for growing in Alabama, and we’ll provide some advice on how to choose the right variety for your needs.

Month	Soil Temperature	Planting Time
March	55F	After last frost
April	60F	Early April
May	65F	Mid-May

Factors to Consider When Determining When to Plant Corn in Alabama

When to plant corn in Alabama is a decision that depends on a number of factors, including:

• Soil temperature. Corn seeds will not germinate until the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In Alabama, the soil temperature typically reaches this point in late March or early April.
• Last frost date. The last frost date in Alabama varies depending on the region of the state. Generally, the last frost date is in early April in the northern part of the state and in late April in the southern part of the state.
• Days to maturity. The number of days to maturity for corn varies depending on the variety of corn you are planting. Early season corn varieties typically take 70-80 days to mature, while midseason corn varieties take 80-90 days to mature, and late season corn varieties take 90-100 days to mature.
• Planting depth. Corn seeds should be planted 2-3 inches deep.

Recommended Planting Dates for Corn in Alabama

The following are recommended planting dates for corn in Alabama, based on the region of the state:

• North Alabama (last frost date in early April):
• Early season corn: mid-April
• Midseason corn: late April
• Late season corn: early May
• Central Alabama (last frost date in late April):
• Early season corn: late April
• Midseason corn: early May
• Late season corn: mid-May
• South Alabama (last frost date in late April):
• Early season corn: early May
• Midseason corn: mid-May
• Late season corn: late May

It is important to note that these are just general recommendations. The best time to plant corn in Alabama will vary depending on the specific conditions of your garden.

When to plant corn in Alabama is a decision that should be made based on a number of factors, including soil temperature, last frost date, days to maturity, and planting depth. By considering all of these factors, you can ensure that you plant your corn at the optimal time for your area.

Here are some additional tips for planting corn in Alabama:

• Choose a corn variety that is adapted to your growing conditions.
• Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 8-10 inches and removing any rocks or debris.
• Plant corn seeds in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
• Fertilize the corn plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at planting time and again when the plants are knee-high.
• Water the corn plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Hill up the soil around the corn plants to help protect them from pests and diseases.
• Harvest the corn when the kernels are plump and golden yellow.

When To Plant Corn In Alabama?

Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season. The ideal time to plant corn in Alabama is in late April or early May, after the last frost date. However, you can plant corn as early as March if you use row covers to protect the plants from frost.

The best way to determine when to plant corn in your area is to consult the USDA planting guide. This guide provides planting dates for each state based on the average last frost date.

Tips for Planting Corn in Alabama

• Prepare the soil. Corn does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, work the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches and add a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or manure.
• Plant the seeds at the correct depth. Corn seeds should be planted 2 inches deep. If you are planting in rows, space the seeds 8 to 10 inches apart.
• Water the seeds regularly. Corn needs a lot of water to grow, so it is important to water the seeds regularly. Water the seeds deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
• Fertilize the corn as needed. Corn is a heavy feeder, so it will need to be fertilized regularly. Apply a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and phosphorus, such as a 10-20-10 fertilizer. Fertilize the corn every 4 to 6 weeks, or as directed on the fertilizer label.

Common Problems When Planting Corn in Alabama

Corn is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Corn borers are a type of insect that can damage corn plants by tunneling into the stalks. To control corn borers, apply a pyrethroid insecticide to the corn plants when the silks first appear.
• Corn earworms are another type of insect that can damage corn by feeding on the kernels. To control corn earworms, spray the corn plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide.
• Northern corn leaf blight is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of corn plants to turn yellow and die. To control northern corn leaf blight, apply a fungicide to the corn plants at the beginning of the growing season.
• Stalk rot is a fungal disease that can cause the stalks of corn plants to rot. To control stalk rot, apply a fungicide to the corn plants at the beginning of the growing season.

Corn is a delicious and nutritious crop that can be grown in Alabama. By following these tips, you can successfully grow corn in your garden or backyard.

Additional Resources

• [USDA Planting Guide](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/)
• [How to Plant Corn](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn/how-to-plant-corn.htm)
• [Corn Pests and Diseases](https://www.extension.org/pages/61161/corn-pests-and-diseases)

  When is the best time to plant corn in Alabama?

The best time to plant corn in Alabama is between April 15 and May 15. Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season, so it is important to plant it early enough so that it has enough time to mature before the first frost.

What type of corn should I plant in Alabama?

There are many different types of corn that can be grown in Alabama, but the most common type is sweet corn. Sweet corn is a variety of corn that is grown for its sweet, tender kernels. Other types of corn that can be grown in Alabama include field corn, popcorn, and flint corn.

How much corn should I plant per acre?

The amount of corn you should plant per acre will depend on the variety of corn you are planting and the expected yield. For sweet corn, you should plant between 20,000 and 30,000 seeds per acre. For field corn, you should plant between 10,000 and 12,000 seeds per acre.

How deep should I plant corn seeds?

Corn seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep. If the soil is dry, you may need to plant the seeds deeper to ensure that they have enough moisture to germinate.

How much water does corn need?

Corn is a thirsty crop and requires a lot of water to grow. During the growing season, corn should receive between 1-2 inches of water per week. If the weather is dry, you may need to water your corn more often.

What kind of fertilizer do I need for corn?

Corn is a heavy feeder and requires a lot of fertilizer to grow. The best fertilizer for corn is a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You should apply fertilizer to your corn at planting time and again at the V6 stage of growth.

What pests and diseases affect corn?

Corn is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including corn borers, corn earworms, and spider mites. You can protect your corn from pests and diseases by planting resistant varieties, rotating crops, and using pesticides and fungicides as needed.

How do I harvest corn?

Corn is harvested when the kernels are fully mature and the husks are dry. To harvest corn, you will need to cut the stalks at the base and remove the ears of corn. You can then store the corn in a cool, dry place for later use.

the best time to plant corn in Alabama is between April 15th and May 1st. The ideal soil temperature for corn germination is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the soil should be warm and moist. Corn should be planted in rows that are 36 inches apart, with seeds spaced 10 inches apart in the row. Corn needs full sun and well-drained soil. It is a heavy feeder, so it will need to be fertilized regularly. Corn can be harvested 60-70 days after planting.