Planting

Sweet Corn

Planting Time Sweet corn loves warm soil and sunshine, so plant it after frost danger has skedaddled. Soil temperature should be at least sixty degrees. Corn is a sprinter once it warms, rather having, growing tall enough to block your view of the barn before you know it. For earlier harvests, plant successive rows every week or two.

Depth & Spacing Plant kernels one to one and one half inches deep and space plants eight to twelve inches apart in rows thirty inches apart. Corn prefers company; it pollinates best in blocks, not long lonely rows. Planting in squares or short clusters helps kernels fill out plump and perfect.

Soil & Fertilization Sweet corn thrives in rich, well drained soil with lots of organic matter. Corn is a heavy feeder, so mix in compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting. Too little nutrition results in pale leaves and skimpy ears. Feed it well and it will reward you with ears sweeter than summer lemonade.

Watering Needs Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit set. Dry spells make kernels shrink and toughen up. Deep waterings encourage strong roots and juicy ears. Think long drinks, not sips-like a cowboy after a dusty trail ride.

Sunlight Requirements Corn needs full sun and plenty of it. Six to eight hours a day is the bare minimum. Sunshine grows tall stalks, plump ears, and sweet kernels. Shade will stunt corn faster than a tight pair of boots on a hot day.

Harvesting Harvest when silks turn brown and ears feel full. A quick test is to pop a kernel with your fingernail-if the juice is milky, it is prime picking time. Sweet corn waits for no one; harvest promptly or the sugars turn starchy. Enjoy it fresh-it is at its sweetest within hours of picking.

Captain Greenhouse Tip For fuller ears and better pollination, plant in blocks of at least four rows rather than one long line. Corn relies on wind to spread pollen, and tight blocks catch more of it. And if you really want to impress, light a little firework with great professional-your stalks will grow tall enough to make you feel like you live in a corn maze.