Growing corn is a simple and rewarding process, whether you’re planting a small patch in your backyard or cultivating a larger field. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow corn, including information on site selection, planting, care, and harvesting.
1. Selecting a Site – Where To Plant Corn
When selecting a site for growing corn, choose an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Corn is a heavy feeder, so amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
One of the most important decisions when it comes to gardening is where to plant corn. Corn is a notoriously finicky plant, and it needs just the right combination of sun, water, and nutrients to thrive. The best place to plant corn is in an open, sunny area with well-drained soil. The plants should be spaced about 30 inches apart, and rows should be spaced about 3 feet apart. When watering corn, be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases, while too little water will cause the ears of corn to fail to develop properly. With a little care and attention, however, corn can be a nutritious and delicious addition to any garden.
2. Planting – How To Grow Corn From Seeds
Growing corn from seeds is not as difficult as one might think. With a little care and attention, it is possible to grow a healthy crop of corn. The first step is to choose the right type of seed. There are many different varieties of corn, so it is important to select a variety that will grow well in your area. Once you have chosen the right type of seed, the next step is to plant the seeds. Corn seeds should be planted in rows, with each seed spaced about two inches apart. After planting, it is important to keep the soil moist and to provide adequate sunlight. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned out so that only the strongest plants remain. With a little time and effort, it is possible to grow corn from seeds.
Corn is typically planted in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. Sow seeds directly in the ground about 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart. Once seedlings have emerged, thin plants to stand 6 to 8 inches apart. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet.
3. Care
Fertilize corn plants every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer according to package directions, taking care not to overdo it as this can damage plants. Be on the lookout for pests and diseases such as aphids, earwigs, and corn Earworm larvae; treat as needed with an organic pesticide or insecticide. Handpick pests off plants whenever possible.
How long does it take to grow corn? The answer may surprise you. While it depends on the variety of corn, most types will be ready to harvest in about 60-90 days. Corn is a relatively fast-growing crop, and with proper care, it can produce a bountiful harvest. Of course, the key to successful corn cultivation is to provide the plant with optimal growing conditions. This means plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture levels. With a little effort, you can enjoy fresh corn on the cob in no time!
4. Harvesting – How Many Corn Grow On A Stalk
Most varieties of sweet corn will be ready for harvest 60 to 75 days after planting—sooner for baby or tender varieties and slightly later for larger varieties intended for drying and processing. To check if ears are ready to pick, pierce an ear with your fingernail; if the kernels are soft and milky, they’re ready to eat! Harvest sweet corn early in the morning for best flavor and quality; once picked, ears can be stored in the refrigerator for several days until you’re ready to use them.
A corn stalk typically produces anywhere from one to five ears of corn. The number of ears that a single stalk produces depends on a variety of factors, including the variety of corn, the amount of fertilizer used, and the growing conditions. In general, however, each ear of corn contains around 800 kernels. So, if a stalk produces five ears of corn, it will have a total of 4,000 kernels. Given that a single ear of corn can weigh upwards of 500 grams, it’s easy to see how a single stalk can produce a significant amount of food. And with such high yields, it’s no wonder that corn is one of the most important crops in the world.
By following these simple steps, you can grow your own delicious crop of sweetcorn! Enjoy it fresh off the cob or use it in your favorite recipes; either way, you’ll love the taste of homegrown corn.
