When to Plant Corn in Minnesota: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Corn in Minnesota

Corn is a staple crop in Minnesota, and for good reason. It’s a relatively easy crop to grow, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, from livestock feed to human consumption. But when is the best time to plant corn in Minnesota?

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 own personal preferences. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these factors and help you determine the best time to plant corn in Minnesota.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the best results from your corn crop. So whether you’re a new farmer or you’ve been growing corn for years, read on for all the information you need to know about when to plant corn in Minnesota.

Month	Average Last Frost Date	Average First Frost Date
April	May 15	September 15
May	May 20	September 20
June	May 25	September 25

Factors to Consider When Determining When to Plant Corn in Minnesota

When to plant corn in Minnesota is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the crop’s yield. There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision, including:

• Climate: The climate in Minnesota can vary significantly from one region to another. The northern part of the state has a shorter growing season than the southern part, so corn should be planted earlier in the north. The average frost-free date in Minnesota is May 15, but this can vary depending on the year. It is important to plant corn at least two weeks before the average frost-free date to allow the crop to establish a good root system before the weather turns cold.
• Soil conditions: The type of soil in your field will also affect the best time to plant corn. Corn does best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is compacted or poorly drained, it may be necessary to amend the soil before planting corn.
• Varieties of corn: The variety of corn you choose will also affect the best time to plant. Early maturing varieties of corn can be planted earlier than late maturing varieties. Early maturing varieties typically mature in 70 to 80 days, while late maturing varieties can take up to 100 days to mature.
• Planting date: The planting date is the date when the corn seeds are placed in the ground. The planting date is typically based on the average frost-free date and the variety of corn you are planting.
• Growing season length: The growing season length is the number of days between the last frost in the spring and the first frost in the fall. The growing season length in Minnesota can vary from 130 to 160 days.
• Risk of frost: The risk of frost is another factor to consider when determining when to plant corn. Corn is a frost-sensitive crop and can be damaged if the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is a high risk of frost, it is best to plant corn later in the season.

Recommended Planting Dates for Corn in Minnesota

The following are recommended planting dates for corn in Minnesota, based on the variety of corn and the average frost-free date:

• Early maturing varieties: May 15-June 1
• Mid-season maturing varieties: June 1-June 15
• Late maturing varieties: June 15-July 1

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines and the best planting date for your specific field may vary. If you are unsure of the best planting date for your field, consult with your local extension agent.

When to plant corn in Minnesota is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the crop’s yield. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can choose the best planting date for your field and maximize your corn crop’s potential.

When To Plant Corn In Minnesota?

Corn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season to reach maturity. In Minnesota, the average frost-free date is around May 15th, so corn should be planted around 2-3 weeks before that date. This will give the corn enough time to grow and mature before the first frost.

However, the exact planting date will vary depending on your location and the weather conditions. If you live in a warmer area of Minnesota, you may be able to plant corn a little earlier. Conversely, if you live in a cooler area, you may need to wait until the weather is warmer before planting corn.

It is important to note that corn is a heavy feeder, so it is important to make sure that your soil is fertile and has plenty of nutrients. You may need to add fertilizer to your soil before planting corn.

Tips for Planting Corn in Minnesota

• Choose a well-drained site with full sun exposure. Corn does not tolerate shade well, so it is important to choose a site that gets plenty of sunlight.
• Prepare the soil by tilling or disking to a depth of 6-8 inches. This will help to loosen the soil and improve drainage.
• Plant corn seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart.
• Water corn regularly, especially during dry spells. Corn is a thirsty crop, so it is important to water it regularly to ensure that it has enough water to grow and mature.
• Apply fertilizer according to the recommendations of your local extension agent. Corn is a heavy feeder, so it is important to make sure that it has plenty of nutrients to support its growth.

Common Problems with Corn in Minnesota

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

• Corn borers
• Corn rootworms
• Corn smut
• Corn earworms
• Frost damage

It is important to be aware of these pests and diseases and take steps to prevent them from damaging your corn crop.

• Corn borers are a type of moth that lays eggs on corn leaves. The larvae of the corn borer feed on the corn plant, causing damage to the leaves, stalks, and ears.
• Corn rootworms are a type of beetle that feeds on the roots of corn plants. This can cause the corn plants to wilt and die.
• Corn smut is a fungal disease that causes tumors to grow on corn ears. These tumors can be unsightly and can also reduce the yield of the corn crop.
• Corn earworms are a type of caterpillar that feeds on corn ears. This can cause the corn ears to become damaged and unusable.
• Frost damage can occur when the temperature drops below freezing. This can damage the corn plants, causing them to wilt and die.

It is important to take steps to prevent these pests and diseases from damaging your corn crop. Some of the things you can do include:

• Plant corn varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases.
• Scout your corn crop regularly for signs of pests and diseases.
• Apply pesticides and fungicides according to the recommendations of your local extension agent.
• Water your corn crop regularly to help it resist pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your corn crop from pests and diseases and ensure a successful harvest.

Corn is a popular crop in Minnesota, and with proper planning and care, you can grow a bountiful harvest of corn. By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that your corn crop is healthy and productive.

When is the best time to plant corn in Minnesota?

The best time to plant corn in Minnesota is in early May, after the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Corn seedlings are very sensitive to frost, so it is important to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting.

What factors should I consider when choosing a corn variety for Minnesota?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a corn variety for Minnesota, including:

• Growing season length: The length of the growing season in Minnesota varies from year to year, so it is important to choose a corn variety that is adapted to your specific area.
• Climate: Minnesota has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Choose a corn variety that is tolerant of your local climate conditions.
• Soil type: Minnesota has a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. Choose a corn variety that is well-suited to your soil type.
• Disease resistance: Corn is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including corn smut, corn rust, and corn borer. Choose a corn variety that is resistant to the diseases that are common in your area.

How much space do I need to plant corn?

Corn is a relatively space-intensive crop, and you will need to allow at least 3 feet of space between rows and 1 foot of space between plants within each row.

How deep should I plant corn seeds?

Corn seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep.

How much water does corn need?

Corn is a thirsty crop and needs regular watering throughout the growing season. The amount of water that corn needs will vary depending on the weather conditions, but a good rule of thumb is to water corn deeply once per week.

What fertilizers do I need to use for corn?

Corn is a heavy feeder and needs a lot of nutrients to produce a good crop. You will need to apply fertilizer to your corn crop at least twice during the growing season: once in the spring before planting and once again in the summer when the corn is tasseling.

What pests and diseases are common in corn?

Corn is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including corn smut, corn rust, and corn borer. It is important to monitor your corn crop for signs of pests and diseases and to take steps to control them if necessary.

How do I harvest corn?

Corn is harvested when the kernels are fully mature and the husks are dry. The best time to harvest corn is in late September or early October. To harvest corn, use a corn harvester or a sharp knife to cut the ears of corn from the stalks.

How do I store corn?

Corn can be stored for several months if it is properly dried and stored. To store corn, remove the husks from the ears of corn and place them in a cool, dry place. Corn can also be frozen for long-term storage.

When to plant corn in Minnesota is a question that has a lot of variables to consider. The ideal planting date depends on the variety of corn you are planting, the expected frost date in your area, and the soil temperature. In general, corn should be planted when the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you are planting a late-season variety of corn, you may need to wait until the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The expected frost date is another important factor to consider when determining when to plant corn in Minnesota. The last frost date in Minnesota typically occurs around May 15th. However, it is important to note that frost can occur at any time, even after the last frost date. If you are planting corn in an area that is prone to frost, you may want to wait until the weather has warmed up a bit more before planting.

Finally, the soil temperature is also an important factor to consider when determining when to plant corn in Minnesota. Corn seedlings need warm soil in order to germinate and grow properly. The ideal soil temperature for corn germination is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the soil temperature is too cold, the corn seeds will not germinate.

By considering all of these factors, you can determine the best time to plant corn in Minnesota. By planting your corn at the right time, you can help ensure that your crop gets off to a good start and produces a bountiful harvest.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when planting corn in Minnesota:

• The ideal planting date for corn is when the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The expected frost date is another important factor to consider when determining when to plant corn.
• The soil temperature is also an important factor to consider when determining when to plant corn.
• By considering all of these factors, you can determine the best time to plant corn in Minnesota.