How to Grow Corn, How to Plant Corn, Growing Sweet Corn

How to Grow Corn in Backyard Vegetable Gardens. Learn how to plant, grow, care for and harvest sweet corn in home vegetable gardens.

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There are some home gardeners who do not think the yield from growing corn justifies the gardening space required to grow the tasty crop.

Since this vegetable starts to lose its sweetness from the time it is harvested, even produce from a farmer's market or roadside stand cannot measure up to homegrown fresh picked goodness. We have gathered information from avid growers for the best methods on how to grow corn.

Corn is a heavy feeder. Hundreds of years ago, Native Americans put a dead fish into the soil with every kernel planted to fertilize the growing plants.

If fish are in short supply where you live, fish emulsion is a good backup choice!

Another method is to dig the soil over and add as thick a layer of compost as you can spare. Add five pounds to 100 square feet of 10-10-10 fertilizer to the compost layer.

Growing Sweet Corn

You may also notice that the outside rows of your corn patch do not produce as much, or as nice ears of corn, as do the inside rows.

The actual planting of corn is simple.

Lay 3 or four seed kernels on the soil about one inch apart.

Repeat this at 24 to 36 inch intervals, spacing the rows 3 feet apart as well.

Then push the kernels about two inches into the soil with your finger.

Step on or press the soil firmly over the planted kernels.

Cover the kernels with soil.

Water the planting site.

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Corn Varieties

Earlivee

The cold resistant variety Earlivee is ready for harvest in 52-55 days.

The plant is similar to Polarvee but matures earlier in Northern climates.

The plants often produce 6- 8" ears with 14 rows on 3 ½ foot stalks.

Delectable

Delectable is ready for harvest in 84 days. This bi-color seed type grows 9" ears with 18 rows.

Wonderful flavor and tender kernels in every bite will have the entire family asking for second helpings.

Iochief

In 86 days, sink your teeth into the golden kernels of Iochief. The plant is drought resistant and highly productive. Its long ears are filled with 16 rows.

An All America Selections Winner, it keeps longer than any other variety. Known as one of the best for canning and freezing.

How to Grow Corn

When the seedlings have grown about three inches high, evaluate the corn plot and thin the plants to one strong plant for each location.

With plants spaced properly you will get powerful growth and bountiful harvests.

Without a doubt, the major problem faced for corn growers everywhere is dealing effectively with pests.

Take care of problems with birds or squirrels by placing a brown paper bag over each ear in the vegetable garden.

An electric fence carrying a very mild current is an effective deterrent against wild animals trying to steal your crop such as raccoons.

You are in for a treat now that you know how to grow corn! Wait until you taste the cobs just a few steamy minutes away from the stalk.

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How to Grow Corn to Vegetable Gardening

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