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All About Corn - Urban Farmer's Guide
Home > Gardener's Guide > All About Corn
Introduction
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Summer wouldn't be the same without eating juicy, sweet, corn-on-the-cob. Select and grow a corn variety that gives you the sweet flavor you're looking for. There are many corn varieties to select from that are easy to grow and very tasty.
Before Planting
Full sun is required. Corn is a heavy feeder and requires fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Prepare the soil by working in well-rotted manure or other organic matter. Plant seeds outdoors at least a week after the last frost and when the soil temperature has reached at least 55°F (65°F for supersweet varieties).
Planting
Plant corn seeds about 1 inch deep. Space 4 to 6" inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Some home gardeners will plant two seeds close together then, thin out one of them if both grow. This assures maximum use of limited garden space, with no gaps due to poor germination. Another method is to space the seed closer together, then thin them. To assure proper pollination, plant four rows four feet long.
Watering
Water corn regularly with an inch of water per week especially during the period from tasseling through harvest. Make sure to water the corn deeply as the roots grow deep.
Fertilizer
Corn is one of the heaviest feeders in the garden. Apply an organic fertilizer during planting, when plants reach a height of 1 foot and again when they reach 3 feet tall. A side dressing of nitrogen, applied when corn plants are about knee high, will give corn an added boost in growth. Try bloodmeal, partially rotted manure or a liquid fertilizer.
Days to Maturity
Ranges from 65-95 days depending on variety.
Harvesting
Corn is ready when the ears are completely filled and a pierced kernel shows a milky white liquid. A good sign of corn cob readiness is when the silk turns brown and crisp.
Storing
Corn should be cooked and eaten soon after picking for the best taste. As fresh corn ages it loses itīs sweet taste, itīs nutrients, and it becomes starchy, tough and rather tasteless.
Pests & Diseases
Corn Ear worms and silkworms are the most common pests. Insects are not often a problem until the ears begin to form. Entry is through the silk. Sevin dust is very effective when applied directly on the silk, or dusted in the air. To control corn earworms, some people apply a couple drops of mineral oil on the silk. Apply it after pollination. The mineral oil suffocates the earworms. Deer are also be a problem if they exist in your area. Occasionally birds will enjoy a meal on your corn. Bluejays are common feeders in cornfields.
Disease Resistance Abbreviations
HN or MN - High or Moderate resistance to Northern Corn Leaf Blight; HSO or MSO - High or Moderate resistance to Southern Corn Leaf Blight; HS or MS - High or Moderate resistance to Stewart's Wilt. HR or MR - High or Moderate resistance to Rust; SM - Notable resistance to or tolerance of Smut.
Tips
Some gardeners try to transplant corn seedlings to fill gaps in the row. In general, corn, does not transplant well. You can succeed however, under the right conditions. First, transplant when the seedling is very small. Second, transplant in cooler weather and near evening. Dig extra deep to extract the plant as corn seedlings send out a long, deep tap root. Finally, water well and daily for about a week.
