Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
|
|
Soil
Warm, well-drained soil enriched with composted manure or other rich compost.
|
Position
Full sun.
|
Frost tolerant
No.
|
Feeding
Needs more nitrogen than other vegetables. Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, following label application rates. When tassels form, feed plants second time.
|
Companions
-
|
Spacing
Single Plants: 1' 1" (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 1' 5" (45cm) row gap (minimum)
|
Sow and Plant
Wait until the soil is warm to sow sweet corn. Soak seeds in water overnight before planting them 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Thin to 12 inches apart when the plants are 6 inches tall.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
|
Notes
Plant in blocks of at least 15 plants, all the same variety, to insure good wind pollination. Keep well watered in dry spells.
|
Harvesting
Sweet corn is ready when the ears feel firm and full when grasped, and a test kernel pierced with a fingernail released milky juice. Harvest in the morning, and promptly refrigerate ears to help them hold their delicate sugars.
|
Troubleshooting
Corn earworms often feed in ear tips. Snap off the damaged part as you husk your sweet cork. Sweet corn germinates poorly in cold soil.
|