Growing Corn: It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3
Corn is always a summer favorite, even if it is not as nutritious as it is delicious. This crop is an original, a plant native to North America. It was cultivated by North American Indigenous People. Sweet corn is the most popular variety, and is the result of a spontaneous mutation that occurred in field corn. It is also incredibly easy to grow.
Once you have consistently warm daily temperatures, warm soil temperatures (at least 65 degrees F), and a steady supply of sun, it is time for corn. Corn germinates and grows relatively quickly. You can use black plastic mulch sheeting to warm your soil several days beforehand, or place a cloche or clear polyethylene cover over your planter or sown seeds to achieve the desired soil temperature, sooner. Corn is ready for harvest about 2-3 months after germination.
Corn can be grown in containers of at least 14-16 inches in diameter and at least 12 inches deep. Their roots grow deep. Seeds should be sown about 4-6 inches apart. While you can grow traditional corn in such planters, there are “on deck” or hybrid dwarf versions better for container planting, and baby corn options as well. Try to stick to one variety, as cross pollination between different corn types can result in tough or poor-tasting corn, or missing kernels.
Here are several corn options for your container garden. Feel free to research and select your own:
In a field, corn is cross-pollinated by wind, and this is why they are planted together in successive rows. You can mimic this method by selecting a larger container that would permit you to plant your corn in multiple short rows, with several plants per row. Another option is to position your planters close together, or hand pollination.
To pollinate by hand, wait until your plants have visible silks, and the the tassels (the male flowers) have formed with pollen on your corn plants. Once pollen has formed, you will have approximately a week to spread it among the plants. Late morning and early evening are ideal times to pollinate. Simply snap off several tassels, and gently rub them along the silks of the ears of corn visible on all the plants to distribute the pollen. Repeat as possible until your one week window is over. Be thorough, as each silk eventually forms a kernel of corn if pollinated.
Pest Control
Pests that corn plants may be susceptible to are flea beetles and earworms. Plant corn with basil and/or marigolds to deter flea beetles and aphids, dill to attract beneficial insects, and cosmos, borage and/or thyme to deter earworms. Use of a physical barrier such as rubber bands or Velcro-type plant ties to secure the ends of the husk, preventing entry, can also deter earworms. If earworms are present, you can purchase BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray from your local nursery or online retailers, to eliminate them.
Companion Plants
Other than the aforementioned plants that assist in pest control, corn does well when grown with legumes (various pea types, pole beans, other bean varieties) as they help release nitrogen from the soil which corn needs to thrive. The corn may also serve as structural support dependent upon the pea or bean type selected.
Watering Needs
Corn needs about an inch of rain a week, especially once the silks and tassels are present. It is good to water the soil well at least once a week if you have not had adequate rainfall, rather than a series of brief, shallow watering that will likely not supply the roots/plants with sufficient water.
Harvest
How do you know when your corn is ready for harvest? First the silks should be brown and dry. Second, piercing a kernel with your fingernail or other tool should result in a milky secretion. If it is runny or clear, the corn is not yet ready. If it is thick and creamy, the corn is overripe. So, once your silks start to brown and dry out, you will need to check your corn for readiness regularly.
Just make sure that you don’t sow your seeds until the soil is warm enough, follow these pointers, and you should be shucking corn in no time! Enjoy the journey!
Credits: Featured Image by Axel van der Donk on Unsplash