Although it requires a considerable amount of space in the garden, corn is relatively easy to grow. Corn needs to be planted well after the danger of frost has passed, but early enough in the growing season so it will be “knee-high by the fourth of July.” Weather plays a big role in the success of growing corn; otherwise, it is a relatively easy crop to grow.
Varieties of Corn
There are many different types of corn to choose from, including sweet corn, popcorn, and ornamental corn. Favorite varieties of sweet corn include Silver Queen and Jubilee. Sweet corn can be yellow, white, or a combination of both. Popcorn is also easy to grow, and is a fun crop to raise in the backyard. Popcorn varieties include Gourmet Gold and Japanese White. Ornamental corn, sometimes known as Indian corn, is for decorative purposes only, and looks wonderful in fall arrangements. Favorite types of ornamental corn include Laser and Red Husk. Corn husks and stalks can also be used for decorative purposes after harvest.
Planting
Soil should always be prepared before planting. Corn thrives in sandy soil, since it heats up faster than heavier soils. Ground should be tilled about six inches deep, and clods should be broken up. Fertilizer can be added at planting time and throughout the growing season. When ready to plant, set seeds a few inches apart, in “blocks” of four or more short rows side by side. Corn is wind pollinated, and this will help to insure good pollination. Corn can also be planted in “hills,” setting seeds in groups of five to six seeds per hill.
Disease and Pest Control
Corn is particularly susceptible to bacterial wilt and leaf blight. Bacterial wilt, or Stewart’s disease, can be controlled by planting disease-resistant varieties. Local extension offices can be contacted for advice on the best way to control diseases, since various methods are recommended for different areas. Corn plants often fall prey to flea beetles and earworm. Sevin can be used to control earworm, and is also helpful in battling flea beetles. Other methods of controlling flea beetles include using horticultural oils or Neem insecticides. Prevention is the best way to control all insect problems in the garden, so spraying schedules should be implemented early in the growing season and continued until harvest.
Harvest
Sweet corn is ready to harvest when the juice in the kernel appears milky. Puncture a kernel and observe what kind of juice is emitted. If it is watery, the corn is not ready. If the corn is overripe, kernels will be tough and doughy. Corn will have dry, brown husks when it is ready to be harvested. To harvest, simply twist the ear of corn to remove from stalk. Corn can be eaten right away after washing thoroughly, or can be frozen or canned.
There is simply no greater satisfaction than growing corn in a home garden! If proper measures are taken to control insects and disease, and ears are harvested at the proper time, gardeners will have no problem growing abundant amounts of delicious corn.
Kristi McCabe - Kristi is a former editor and teacher who now takes great pride in being a stay-at-home mother. She is the queen of her domain, and ...
