Corn Planting Schedules for Kentucky

Western Kentucky

• According to the "Comprehensive Guide", in western Kentucky, farmers have a month-long window to begin planting corn. Corn planted between April first and May first produces the highest yield. Planting too early causes a loss in the overall yield, so farmers wait for the soil to warm, which usually occurs in April. Western Kentucky supplies most of the state's corn.

Central Kentucky

• April 15 to May 15 is the optimum time to plant corn in central Kentucky. Warmer than western Kentucky, central Kentucky farmers postpone planting for another month. Because planting begins later in this part of the state, weather becomes an important factor. If weather delays the planting, farmers use an earlier-maturing hybrid.

Eastern Kentucky

• On the same schedule as central Kentucky, corn planted in eastern Kentucky between April 15 and May 15 produces high yields. Although most farmers grow some dent corn, sweet corn proves to be the most popular corn crop in eastern Kentucky. Sweet corn uses less water than other field corn, and is more economical.