Summary
Sweet Zea mays is abeloved summer delicacythat can be enjoyed fresh , grilled , or canned . grow your own odoriferous corn in Virginia is arewarding experiencethat can provide you with scrumptious and nourishing produce . Thiscomprehensive guidewill take the air you through the steps involved in cultivating sweet corn in the unique mood of Virginia .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Choose asunny locationwith well - debilitate dirt . Sweet Zea mays thrives in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . If your soil is acidic , amend it with lime to raise the pH. Before planting , till the soil to a deepness of 12 column inch andincorporate compostor manure to improve birth rate .
Planting
Plant sweet clavus seeds in late April or early May , when the grease temperature hand 55degrees Fahrenheit . Space the seeds 6 - 8 inches aside in quarrel that are 3 foot apart . Plant the seeds 1 - 2 inches rich .
Watering
weewee sweet clavus on a regular basis , especially during red-hot anddry weather . purport to keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Water at the base of the plant , annul the foliage .
Fertilizing
Pollination
Sweet Zea mays is a wind instrument - pollinated harvest . works in blocks of at least 4 rows toensure adequate pollenation . If the weather is calm , you may hand - pollinate by shaking the tassels ( male flowers ) over the silks ( distaff flower ) .
Pests and Diseases
Sweet corn can be susceptible to pests such as edible corn earworms and European edible corn borers . Control these pests by using insecticides or by planting tolerant miscellany . Common disease include corn obscenity and northerly corn leaf blight . praxis crop rotation and employ disease - resistant varieties to preclude these issue .
Harvesting
Sweet corn is ready to reap when the kernels are plump and milky . The silks should be dry and brown . To harvest , curve or slue the ear from the stalk . Storesweet cornin the refrigerator for up to a workweek .
Companion Planting
familiar planting can benefit sweet corn byimproving growthand deterring pests . Good companion plants include bean , cucumbers , and tomato . Avoid planting sweet corn near potatoes or asparagus .
Tips for Success
Wrap-Up: The Sweet Rewards of Growing Sweet Corn in Virginia
Withproper careand tending , you cangrow sweetandsucculent sweet-scented cornin Virginia . Enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring this delicious summer goody in all its fresh , grill , or displace strain .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : When is the best time toplant sweet cornin Virginia?A : later Aprilor early May , when thesoil temperature reaches55 degrees Fahrenheit . Q : How deep should I plant dulcet edible corn seeds?A : 1 - 2 inches deep . Q : How often should I water sugared corn?A : on a regular basis , specially during spicy anddry weather . Keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged . Q : What is theideal soil pHfor angelical corn?A : 6.0 to 7.0.Q : Can Igrow sweet cornin containers?A : Yes , but prefer alarge containerwith well - enfeeble soilandprovide enough supportfor the plants .
