Best Time for Corn Planting in Alabama: Essential Guidelines and Advice

In the heart of the South, Alabama offers a fertile ground for gardening enthusiasts. One of the most popular crops grown in the state is corn, and experienced gardener Glen, with over 15 years of hands-on experience, shares his insights on how to cultivate this versatile crop.

Before planting corn, it's essential to consider factors such as soil temperature, soil pH, and the ideal planting zones. Soil temperature plays a crucial role in corn growth, and it should ideally be at 60°F before planting. Corn thrives best at a soil pH level between 6.0 and 6.5, and good soil drainage and moisture retention are also important for corn growth.

When it comes to choosing the right corn variety for an Alabama garden, sweetness, heat tolerance, and planting zones are key considerations. Popular sweet corn varieties include Silver Queen, Honey Select, and 'Double Standard'. For those seeking a longer harvest window and good silage yield even on difficult sites, varieties like ALABAMA, with the "Stay Green" trait, are a great choice.

Corn requires full sun, at least 6-8 hours per day, for optimal growth. Planting should be done in the spring, around late March to early April, although the exact timing may vary based on the location within the state due to different frost dates. In Zone 7, which includes cooler parts of the state, aim for around early April. In Zone 8, planting can start around April 3rd. In Zone 9, covering coastal areas, you can start as early as mid-March.

When planting corn, seeds should be spaced about 1-2 inches deep and 8-12 inches apart within the row. Rows should be 2-3 feet apart, and the ideal spacing between corn rows is 36 inches. Corn relies on wind for pollination, and planting in clusters or blocks aids in effective self-pollination.

Once the corn has grown, it's important to harvest at the right time to ensure the best yield. Harvested corn should be stored in a cool, moist place to prevent the sugars from converting to starches. The optimal time to harvest corn in Alabama for the best yield is flexible due to the "Stay Green" trait of varieties like ALABAMA, which allows a longer harvest window and good silage yield even on difficult sites; typically, this corresponds to harvesting when grain moisture is lower but before the plant deteriorates, often in late season after physiological maturity.

Glen's latest posts include articles on planting soybeans in Alabama, grass seed in Oregon, and carrots in Zone 5. For more gardening tips and advice, be sure to follow Glen's blog. Happy gardening!