Corn

What you'll need:

Corn seeds (you can find these at your local garden center or hardware store)

Good-quality garden soil (corn prefers rich, well-drained soil)

Compost or general-purpose fertilizer (to give your corn a nutrient boost)

Watering can or hose

Garden tools like a shovel and rake

• A sunny spot in your garden (corn loves sunshine, so pick a place that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)

When to start:

Corn is a warm-season crop, so wait until the danger of frost has passed. In most areas, this means planting in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is consistently above 50°F (10°C). Corn grows best when it's warm, so don’t rush planting if it’s still chilly outside.

Choosing the right spot:

Corn needs space because it grows tall! Make sure you have enough room for your plants to grow without being crowded. Corn also does better when planted in blocks rather than long rows because it helps with pollination (more on that later).

Tip: If you're short on space, consider growing dwarf varieties of corn that are better suited for smaller gardens or containers.

Step-by-step planting guide:

1. Prepare the soil: Start by loosening the soil with a shovel or garden fork. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Corn is a heavy feeder, so giving it nutrient-rich soil will help it grow strong.
2. Plant the seeds:
   • Dig small holes about 1-2 inches deep and space them about 4-6 inches apart.
   • Drop 2-3 seeds into each hole and cover them lightly with soil.
   • If you're planting in rows, make sure the rows are about 2-3 feet apart. Corn grows best when planted in blocks (at least 4 rows wide) to help with pollination.
3. Water gently: After planting, water the soil thoroughly but gently so you don't wash away the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not soggy while the seeds germinate.
4. Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings are about 4-6 inches tall, thin them out so there's only one plant every 12-18 inches. This gives each plant enough room to grow big and healthy.

Tip: Plant corn in a square block rather than a single row to improve pollination. Corn is wind-pollinated, so having plants close together helps the pollen reach the ears more easily.

Watering:

Corn needs consistent moisture, especially when the ears are forming. Aim to water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little bit every day. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.

Feeding:

Corn is a hungry plant, so it benefits from regular feeding. When the plants are about knee-high (around 12-18 inches tall), side-dress them with compost or a balanced fertilizer. You can do this again when the tassels (the flowery tops) appear.

Pollination Tip:

Corn is pollinated by wind, so if you notice the tassels (male flowers) appearing at the top of the plant and the silks (female parts) emerging from the ears, you can help the process along by gently shaking the plants on a calm day. This helps the pollen fall onto the silks, ensuring full kernels on your ears of corn.

Weeding:

Keep the area around your corn plants weed-free. Weeds compete for nutrients and water, so regular weeding is important. Be careful not to damage the shallow roots of the corn when pulling weeds.

Pests and Problems:

• Corn earworms: These pests can bore into the ears. To prevent them, you can apply a few drops of mineral oil on the silks once they start to turn brown.
• Birds: Birds sometimes peck at ripening ears. You can cover the ears with paper bags once the silks start to dry to protect them.

When to harvest:

Corn is usually ready to harvest about 20 days after the silks first appear. Here's how to tell if your corn is ready:

• The silks will be dry and brown.
• The ears will feel firm when you squeeze them.
• If you're unsure, peel back the husk slightly and puncture a kernel with your fingernail. If the liquid inside is milky, it's ready to pick!

How to harvest:

• Hold the ear of corn firmly with one hand and use the other hand to twist and pull it downward sharply. The ear should come off easily.
• Harvest in the morning when the sugar content is highest for the sweetest taste.

Storage tips:

• Fresh corn is best eaten the same day it’s picked because the sugars quickly convert to starch, affecting flavor.
• If you must store it, keep it in the refrigerator and eat within a couple of days.
• You can also freeze corn by blanching the kernels and storing them in freezer bags.

Q: Why are my corn stalks turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean your corn isn't getting enough nutrients, especially nitrogen. Try side-dressing with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. It could also be due to overwatering or poor drainage.

Q: Do I need to plant a lot of corn for it to grow well?

A: Yes, corn grows best when planted in blocks rather than rows because it relies on wind to pollinate. Blocks of at least 4 rows wide will ensure good pollination.

Q: How tall will my corn grow?

A: Most corn varieties grow between 5-8 feet tall, depending on the type. Some dwarf varieties stay shorter, around 4 feet, which might be better for smaller gardens.

Q: Can I grow corn in containers?

A: Yes, but it's a bit tricky. You’ll need large containers (at least 24 inches deep and wide) and a dwarf variety of corn. Ensure the container has good drainage and place it in a very sunny location.

Q: What are those long threads coming out of the corn ears?

A: Those are the silks, and they’re essential for pollination! Each silk strand connects to a kernel inside the ear. When pollen from the tassels lands on the silks, it fertilizes the kernels, helping them develop fully.