You’re going to love this if you’ve ever wanted to grow your own corn. Corn is a satisfying and mostly easy plant to grow, whether you want fresh corn on the cob or just enjoy the process of growing a hearty crop.
We’ll go over everything you need to know how to grow corn and take care of corn from seed to harvest in this guide. Allow us to begin!
Pick the Right Kind of Corn
There are many kinds of corn, and each one grows best in different climates and circumstances. Picking the right type of corn for your area is the first thing you need to do to grow great corn.
Here are some popular types:
- Sweet Corn: You can eat fresh sweet corn, grill it, or freeze it.
- Field corn: It is used to feed animals, make cornmeal, and make popcorn.
- Popcorn: A special variety with kernels that pop when heated.
When you are picking, look for types that do well in the USDA hardiness zone where you live. This will give your corn the best chance of growing well and strong.
Get the soil ready
Corn grows best in rich, well-drained soil that has a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 and is slightly acidic to neutral. You should make sure your dirt has a lot of organic matter before you plant. Do these things:
- Check the pH of the soil: Check the pH of the soil with a kit to make sure it’s in the right range.
- Add Compost or Organic Matter: Corn grows best in dirt that is rich in nutrients. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the dirt to make it better and add more nutrients.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure the soil drains well. Corn doesn’t like its feet to be wet, so make sure the soil drains well. Adding sand or plant matter to heavy soils can help them drain better.
When to Plant Corn?
Since corn needs to be warm to grow, you should only plant it after the last frost in your area. The dirt should be at least 60°F (15°C) before planting, if possible. Know this:
- How Deep to Plant: Put the corn seeds in the ground about one to two inches deep.
- Space: Leave 8 to 12 inches between seeds and 30 to 36 inches between rows.
- When to Plant: In most places, the best time to plant corn is between late spring and early summer.
If you want to learn more about planting, read these guides:
Water and feed the plants Every time
Corn eats a lot of water and needs a lot of it to grow right. But you don’t want the ground to be too wet. The trick is this:
When you water, make sure the dirt is damp but not soaked. Deeply water your plants once a week, more often if it’s been dry.
When the plants are about a foot tall, use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Then, when the plants start to form ears, use it again. If you feed too much, the stalks may become weak.
Keep your growth healthy
To make sure it grows right, corn needs regular care. These are some important points:
Weeds can take nutrients and water away from corn. To keep bugs away from your corn plants, mulch them often.
Aphids and corn earworms are two common pests that you should watch out for. If you have to, use organic insecticides, but make sure the product is safe for crops that you can eat.
The wind spreads pollen through corn, so put it in blocks instead of rows for better pollination. This helps produce better yields.
Harvest Your Corn
The husks will be dry and the kernels will be big and hard when the corn is ready to be picked. To tell if it’s time, do these things:
Use your nail to press a seed. It’s time to pick if the juice inside is milky and not clear.
To harvest corn, twist the ears off the stalk and pull them off. If you wait too long, the nuts might get tough.
How to Keep Corn Fresh?
Once it’s picked, corn tastes best when it’s still fresh, but you can save it for later:
You can keep corn that hasn’t been peeled in the fridge for up to a week.
If you have a bumper crop of corn, blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes and then freeze the kernels to enjoy all year.
When growing corn, don’t make these mistakes: planting too early or too late If you want your corn to grow well, don’t plant it too early or wait until it’s too late.
Too many plants: Corn plants need room to grow. Do not put too many seeds in one spot.
Underwatering: Don’t use too little water, especially when pollination is happening and ears are being made.
Conclusion
It’s fun and rewarding to grow corn. You can grow sweet, tasty corn right in your own backyard if you plan ahead and take care of it. By picking the right type, getting the soil ready, and giving the plants the care they need all season, you’ll have a successful harvest in no time.
FAQs
How much room do I need to grow corn?
For corn plants to get tall and strong, they need a lot of room. Corn plants should be 8 to 12 inches apart and 30 to 36 inches apart in rows. They can get enough sunlight, air flow, and space to grow their roots this way.
Can I grow corn in saucers or pots?
You can grow corn in pots, but it’s not the best way to get a lot of corn. Corn needs a lot of room for its roots to spread, so if you’re planting in pots, use big ones that are at least 18 inches deep and choose dwarf corn varieties.
How long does corn grow?
It can take anywhere from 60 to 100 days for corn to grow, depending on the type and the weather. For example, sweet corn is usually ready to eat in 75 to 85 days, but field corn might take longer.
Do I have to hand-pollinate my corn?
You don’t have to hand-pollinate corn because the wind does it for you. But for the best results, plant your corn in blocks of four rows or more to make sure the plants get enough pollen.
Can I grow corn where it’s cooler?
Corn thrives in warm climates, but you can still grow it in cooler areas by selecting shorter-season varieties. Look for corn varieties that are suited for cooler climates and ensure the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15°C) before planting.
How do I prevent corn from becoming too tall?
If your corn plants are growing too tall and unstable, try planting them in slightly smaller containers or containers with supports. Additionally, ensure the soil is balanced with adequate nutrients and space to prevent excessive growth.
How do I know if my corn is ready to harvest?
Corn is ready to harvest when the husks are dry and the kernels are firm and plump. Press a kernel with your nail; if it releases a milky liquid, it’s ready to pick. Corn should be harvested before the kernels start to dry out.
