Watch My Corn Pop Up In Rows
There's no experience quite like watching your corn pop up in rows, from the tiny seedlings to towering stalks that eventually produce sweet, juicy ears of corn. Growing corn is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can be enjoyed by gardeners of all levels, from beginners to experts. In this guide, we'll take a comprehensive look at how to grow corn, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your crop.
Choosing Your Corn Variety
Before you start planting, it's important to choose the right corn variety for your needs. There are three main types of corn: sweet corn, popcorn, and field corn. Sweet corn is the most popular type of corn grown in home gardens, as it is eaten fresh and has a high sugar content. Popcorn is grown for its kernels, which can be popped and enjoyed as a snack. Field corn is grown for animal feed and other non-food products.
Within each type of corn, there are many different varieties to choose from. When selecting a variety, consider factors such as days to maturity, flavor, texture, and disease resistance. Some popular sweet corn varieties include 'Silver Queen', 'Honey and Cream', and 'Country Gentleman', while popular popcorn varieties include 'Tiny But Mighty', 'Baby White', and 'Robust 98'.
Preparing Your Soil
Corn needs well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, prepare your soil by tilling it to a depth of 8-10 inches, removing any rocks or debris, and adding compost or other organic matter to improve soil fertility. You can also apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, according to package instructions.
Planting Your Corn
Corn should be planted in full sun, in rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart within the row. You can also plant corn in blocks rather than rows, which can help with pollination. Water your seeds immediately after planting, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.
Caring for Your Corn
Corn requires plenty of water and nutrients to grow properly. Water your corn regularly, especially during dry spells, and add fertilizer as needed. It's also important to weed your corn regularly, as weeds can compete for nutrients and water. You can use mulch to help control weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
Corn is also susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as corn borers, corn earworms, and rust. To prevent these problems, you can use natural or chemical pesticides as needed, and rotate your corn with other crops to reduce disease pressure.
Harvesting Your Corn
Corn is ready to harvest when the ears are fully formed and the silks have turned brown. To check for ripeness, gently pull back the husk and pierce a kernel with your fingernail. If the liquid inside is milky and the kernel is tender, the corn is ready to harvest. To harvest, grasp the ear firmly and pull downward, twisting slightly to separate it from the stalk.
Once harvested, sweet corn should be eaten or frozen as soon as possible to retain its flavor and texture. Popcorn can be stored for long periods of time in a cool, dry place, while field corn is typically harvested and dried for animal feed.
Conclusion
Growing corn is a fun and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by anyone with a bit of gardening know-how. By choosing the right variety, preparing your soil, planting and caring for your crop, and harvesting at the right time, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, delicious corn that you can enjoy all summer long.