Corn is a kitchen staple in many households. Although you can head to the grocery store for a few ears, learning to grow your own corn is a smart way to get close to nature with a crop reward in the end.
Location, Temperature, and Soil
Corn demands at least six hours of sunlight and soil that’s warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit for vigorous growth. Till compost into the soil so that you have well-drained earth with plenty of nutrients.
Plant for Successful Pollination
Learning how to grow corn includes a lesson in biology. No ears of corn will grow without pollination. Arrange the seeds in a rectangular pattern so that you have several rows of corn. As the wind blows through the area, your future stalks can spread pollen and produce a crop.
Fertilize Throughout the Grow Period
When you grow your own corn, the soil’s nutrients will quickly diminish. Make sure to fertilize the corn at least three times before harvest. A general rule-of-thumb suggests fertilizing when the plant is 10-inches and 18-inches tall. Fertilize again when you see tassels forming into their telltale shape.
Producing food crops requires a lot of water. Be sure to water the corn each day so that the seeds can germinate and stalks remain strong. Your crop can be a success as harvest time approaches.
