Corn Planting Time in Tennessee
With April knocking on the door, farmers around Tennessee are getting prepared to plant corn. A mild winter led to many planters getting hooked up in late February but then winter came in March. As we approach warmer weather, we need to remember a few important rules. The first rule revolves around soil temperature. In general, the warmer the better. We need a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit at seed level in the soil for corn sprouting to ensue. At 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer for 3-7 days, the corn should begin to emerge properly. Remember, if you are no-tilling, the soil typically takes longer to warm up compared to conventionally tilled soil. This is due to the residue left on top of the ground from the previous crop or forage. Replanting corn is costly, so be patient. The second rule is seed depth. The general rule of thumb is a minimum of 1-1/2 inches deep to a maximum of 3 inches deep for seed depth. The sweet spot tends to fall at 2 inches deep but is different for various soil types/moisture conditions. If we do have another freeze in mid-April like 2007, the corn does have some resistance until the V6 growth stage. As we move forward, feel free to contact your local CO-OP for all of your agronomic needs or questions. A quick reference sheet for Tennessee corn producers from The University of Tennessee is listed below.
Planting Corn for Grain in Tennessee
