How to Grow Corn: A Complete Guide

Corn (Zea mays) is one of the most rewarding vegetables to grow in a home garden. There's nothing quite like biting into a freshly harvested ear of sweet corn that went from stalk to plate in minutes. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow corn in your garden.

Choosing the Right Variety

Before planting, select a corn variety that suits your climate and taste preferences:

• Sweet corn: Most popular for home gardens with the best flavor for fresh eating
• Field corn: Used primarily for livestock feed or grinding into cornmeal
• Popcorn: Specifically grown for popping
• Ornamental corn: Grown for decorative purposes

Site Selection and Preparation

Corn thrives in specific conditions:

• Sunlight: Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Temperature:
  • Soil temperature: Minimum 50°F (10°C) for germination, ideally 60-65°F (16-18°C)
  • Air temperature: 60-75°F (16-24°C) for optimal growth
  • Corn is frost-sensitive, so plant after all danger of frost has passed
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with pH between 6.0-6.8
• Location: Choose a site protected from strong winds if possible

Planting Guidelines

Spacing

• Row spacing: 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) between rows
• Plant spacing: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) between plants
• Block planting: Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than long single rows to improve pollination

Planting Depth and Method

• Plant seeds 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep
• Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and thin to the strongest seedling

Germination

• Days to germination: 7-14 days, depending on soil temperature
• Emergence time: Faster in warmer soil (as quick as 4-5 days in ideal conditions)

Watering Requirements

Corn needs consistent moisture, especially during these critical periods:

• During germination
• When tassels form
• When ears are developing

Aim for:

• 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) of water per week
• Deep watering at soil level to avoid washing away pollen
• More frequent watering during hot, dry periods

Fertilization

Corn is a heavy feeder, requiring:

• Before planting: Work compost or aged manure into soil
• At planting: Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)
• When plants are 8-12 inches tall: Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer
• When silks appear: Additional light feeding can improve ear development

Common Challenges and Solutions

Pests

• Corn earworms: Use mineral oil drops on silk or choose resistant varieties

• European corn borers: Remove and destroy affected plants

• Raccoons and birds: Install physical barriers or fencing before harvest time

Diseases

• Corn smut: Remove affected areas before spores spread
• Leaf blights: Ensure proper spacing for air circulation and avoid overhead watering

Pollination

Corn is wind-pollinated, which is why block planting is crucial:

• Pollen from the tassels (male flowers) must reach the silks (female parts)
• Each silk connects to a potential kernel
• For small plantings, you can hand-pollinate by shaking tassels over silks

Harvesting

• Time to maturity: 60-100 days from planting, depending on variety
• Harvest indicators:
  • Silks have darkened and dried
  • Kernels are plump and produce a milky juice when punctured
  • Ears feel full and firm through the husk

Tips for Success

• Succession planting: Stagger plantings 2-3 weeks apart for continuous harvest
• Companion planting: Consider the "Three Sisters" method (planting corn with beans and squash)
• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Support: In windy areas, consider mounding soil around the base of stalks as they grow

With proper care and attention to these guidelines, you'll be enjoying delicious homegrown corn in just a few months. Remember that corn is a relatively heavy feeder that requires consistent moisture and proper pollination to produce well-filled ears. Happy growing!