When to Plant Corn in Mississippi: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Corn in Mississippi

Corn is a staple crop in Mississippi, and for good reason. It’s a relatively easy crop to grow, and it’s a good source of both food and feed. But when is the best time to plant corn in Mississippi?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the type of corn you’re planting, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing a planting date for your corn crop in Mississippi.

We’ll also provide a planting schedule for corn in Mississippi, so you can be sure your crop gets off to a good start.

Month	Days	Average Temperature
March	15-20	55-65F
April	20-25	60-70F
May	25-30	70-80F

Factors Affecting Corn Planting Time in Mississippi

The best time to plant corn in Mississippi depends on a number of factors, including:

• Climate: The ideal planting time for corn in Mississippi is when the soil temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically occurs in late April or early May. However, if the weather is cool and wet, you may need to delay planting until the soil has warmed up.
• Soil type: Corn does best in well-drained, loamy soils. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you may need to amend it with compost or manure to improve drainage.
• Pests and diseases: Corn is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including corn borers, corn earworms, and southern corn rust. The best way to protect your corn crop from these pests and diseases is to plant resistant varieties and to follow good crop rotation practices.
• Desired maturity date: The maturity date of a corn variety refers to the number of days from planting to harvest. Early season corn varieties mature in about 70 days, while midseason varieties mature in about 80 days and late season varieties mature in about 90 days. The maturity date of the variety you choose will depend on your climate and when you want to harvest your corn.

Recommended Planting Dates for Corn in Mississippi

The following are recommended planting dates for corn in Mississippi, based on the maturity date of the variety you choose:

• Early season corn: Late April to early May
• Midseason corn: Early May to mid-May
• Late season corn: Mid-May to late May

It is important to note that these are just general recommendations. The best time to plant corn in your specific area will depend on the factors listed above.

By considering the factors listed above, you can choose the best time to plant corn in Mississippi for your specific situation. By planting your corn at the right time, you can help ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.

When to Plant Corn in Mississippi?

The best time to plant corn in Mississippi is in early April, after the last frost date. 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 time to mature before the first frost.

How to Plant Corn in Mississippi

To plant corn, you will need to:

1. Prepare the soil. Corn does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is not well-drained, you will need to amend it with compost or manure.
2. Plant the seeds. Corn seeds should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. You can plant corn in rows or hills. If you are planting in rows, space the rows 3 to 4 feet apart. If you are planting in hills, space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart.
3. Water and fertilize the corn. Corn needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. You should also fertilize the corn every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
4. Protect the corn from pests and diseases. Corn is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including corn borers, corn earworms, and leaf blight. You can protect your corn from pests and diseases by spraying it with an insecticide or fungicide, or by covering it with a row cover.

Harvesting Corn in Mississippi

Corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are fully mature and golden yellow. To harvest corn, you will need to:

1. Cut the corn stalks at the base.
2. Remove the husks from the corn cobs.
3. Cut the corn kernels off the cobs.
4. Store the corn in a cool, dry place.

Corn is a delicious and nutritious crop that is easy to grow in Mississippi. By following these tips, you can grow a bountiful harvest of corn for your family to enjoy.

When is the best time to plant corn in Mississippi?

The best time to plant corn in Mississippi is from late April to early May. The ideal soil temperature for corn germination is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the soil should be warm and moist. Corn should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep, with 3 to 4 inches of space between plants.

What kind of corn should I plant in Mississippi?

There are many different varieties of corn that can be grown in Mississippi, but some of the best varieties for the state include:

• Silver Queen corn: This variety is a popular choice for home gardeners because it is easy to grow and produces sweet, tasty kernels.
• Country Gentleman corn: This variety is a good choice for farmers because it is resistant to pests and diseases.
• Bonanza corn: This variety is a good choice for farmers who want to produce a high yield of corn.

How much corn can I expect to yield per acre?

The amount of corn you can expect to yield per acre will vary depending on the variety of corn you plant, the weather conditions, and the amount of fertilizer and water you use. In general, you can expect to yield between 100 and 150 bushels of corn per acre.

What are the best practices for growing corn in Mississippi?

Here are some tips for growing corn in Mississippi:

• Choose a well-drained location with full sun exposure.
• Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and adding compost or manure.
• Plant corn seeds 2 to 3 inches deep, with 3 to 4 inches of space between plants.
• Water corn regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize corn with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Control pests and diseases with organic or synthetic pesticides and fungicides.

What are the challenges of growing corn in Mississippi?

The biggest challenges of growing corn in Mississippi are pests and diseases. Corn is susceptible to a variety of pests, including corn borers, armyworms, and grasshoppers. It is also susceptible to a number of diseases, including corn smut, rust, and leaf blight.

To protect your corn from pests and diseases, you can use a combination of cultural practices, biological controls, and chemical pesticides and fungicides. Cultural practices such as crop rotation, tillage, and sanitation can help to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. Biological controls such as beneficial insects and microorganisms can help to control pests without the use of chemicals. Chemical pesticides and fungicides can be used to control pests and diseases that are resistant to biological controls.

How can I harvest corn in Mississippi?

Corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are fully mature and the husks are dry and brown. To harvest corn, cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or sickle. Then, husk the corn and remove the cobs. The corn can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.

When to plant corn in Mississippi is a question that has a lot of variables. The ideal planting date will depend on the variety of corn you are planting, the soil type, and the expected weather conditions. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you determine when to plant corn in Mississippi.

• Early corn varieties should be planted in early April, while late corn varieties should be planted in late April or early May.
• Lighter soils warm up faster than heavier soils, so corn can be planted earlier in lighter soils.
• Warmer weather allows corn to grow faster, so corn can be planted earlier in warmer climates.

It is important to note that the ideal planting date is just a guideline. The best way to determine when to plant corn in Mississippi is to consult with your local extension agent. They can provide you with specific information about the best planting dates for your area.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your corn crop gets off to a good start and produces a bountiful harvest.

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

• Choose the right variety of corn for your area.
• Plant corn in early April for early corn varieties and late April or early May for late corn varieties.
• Plant corn in light soils earlier than in heavy soils.
• Plant corn in warmer climates earlier than in cooler climates.
• Consult with your local extension agent for specific planting dates for your area.