Best Season for Corn Farming in Nigeria

Table of Contents

Corn (maize) grows well in Nigeria because our climate supports it. But choosing the right season is one of the biggest secrets to getting a good harvest.

1. The Best Time to Plant Corn

Nigeria has two major farming seasons:

A. Rainy Season (Most Recommended)

This is the best and safest period for corn farming.

First Planting Season:

Start: Late March – April
Where: Southern Nigeria (South-West, South-East, South-South)
Reason: Rains start early and fall regularly.

Planting Season:

Start: May – June
Where: Northern Nigeria
Reason: Northern rains begin slightly later.

B. Second (Late) Planting Season

Start: August – early September
Best For: Areas with long rainfall like South-West & South-South
Note: Use early-maturing varieties because the rains may stop early.

2. Can You Grow Corn During Dry Season?

YES, you can — with irrigation.

Dry Season Planting

Time: November – February
Requirements:
Irrigation (borehole, pumping machine, drip, or river)
Fertile soil
Extra care

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Dry season maize often grows faster and yields more because pests are fewer, but it costs more due to irrigation.

3. Why Planting Season Matters

Choosing the right season helps you:

Get bigger cobs
Reduce crop failure
Avoid drought stress
Reduce pest attacks
Get higher market price

4. Step-by-Step Plan for a Young Farmer

If you’re a young farmer or planning to start, here is a simple guide:

Step 1: Start At the Beginning of Rain

If you’re in the South, prepare your land in March.
If you’re in the North, prepare in April/May.

Step 2: Plant the Right Way

Plant with good rain, not the first light rain.
Plant seeds 25–30 cm apart.
Apply fertilizer 2 weeks after planting.

Step 3: Weed Early

Weed at 2–3 weeks and again at 5–6 weeks.
Corn hates competition.

Step 4: Harvest at the Right Time

Green corn: 2–3 months
Dry grain corn: 3–4 months

5. Encouragement to the Young Farmer

If you are thinking of going into corn farming, this is your sign.
Corn farming is one of the simplest and fastest crops to grow in Nigeria.
You don’t need huge land to start — even 1 acre can give you profit.

Corn will always sell:

People eat it
Poultry farms need it
Industrial companies need it

Start small, learn fast, grow big.

In Summary

Season	Months	Advantage
Rainy Season (Best)	March–June	Reliable rain, high yield, low cost
Late Season	August–Sept	Good in South, use fast-maturing seeds
Dry Season (Irrigation)	Nov–Feb	High profit but higher cost

“Best Season for Corn Farming in Nigeria”