eChipmunks

In CA when is it optimal time to plant corn in my backyard garden?

I've never had a garden before. I'd like your comments on enriching the soil (fertilizers) and what pest controls (insects) I might be concerned about from both an organic perspective and an in-organic one too! Thanks. I live in south Orange County in Southern California. The temperatures probably won't get much colder than say 40 degree. Today it was around 78 degrees - not terribly warm or hot but nice, but I do experience the fog that usually rolls in later in the day and the skies don't get sunny until a bit before noon. I live about 5 miles from the ocean and the soil is a sandy clay. Great for the three varieties of oranges, three varieties of mandarin oranges and one santa clara plum tree I now have.

Public Comments

1. You don't say where in California, and it's a big place, with different climates. But the general answer is "After your last frost date, when the soil is thoroughly warm". When that date is depends on where you are. Either ask your neighbors, or tell us more precisely where you live, and one of us can look it up.
2. I am no master gardener, but we live in farming country near Sacramento, and have planted large vege gardens the past two years that have done very well. We planted our first 4 rows the beginning of May. Started harvesting mid July. Next 4 rows we planted mid June, harvested mid Aug. Corn needs heat and full sun. We used fertilizer when we planted seeds, and fertilized again when stalks were about 8" tall. (I can picture the box, but can't recall the brand/mfr name) We had some trouble with corn earworms both years (we simply lopped off the affected ends of the ears), and aphids the second year. We only addressed the aphids with insecticidal soap. A few ears did get that nasty black fungus. ...we are still a bit questioning on insect sprays ourselves.
3. SAME TIME YOU PLANT POT! CASE CLOSED!