Main points
Corn , a staple harvest for centuries , is not just a delicious veg but also a rewarding one to develop in your backyard . With proper planning and care , you could relish thesweet tasteof homegrown corn throughout the summer . Here ’s a comprehensive guide on how togrow corn backyard , insure a giving harvest .
Selecting the Right Variety
The first footfall is to choose the right variety of corn for your realm and preferences . There are two main types : sweet corn whisky andfield maize . Sweet Zea mays is sweet and has ahigher lolly content , while area corn whisky is used for animal feed , cornmeal , and other ware . Choose a variety that ripen in the number of days you have between the lastspring frostand the first fall frost .
Preparing the Soil
Corn favor well - drained soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Amend the filth with compost or manure to improve its fertility and drain . Corn is aheavy feeder , so it ’s crucial to fertilize it on a regular basis .
Planting Corn
works corn seed 1 - 2 inches rich and 6 - 12 column inch aside in rows that are 3 feet apart . Water the seed well and keep thesoil moistuntilgermination occurs . Once theseedlings emerge , reduce them to the strongest one per hole .
Watering and Fertilizing
Corn requires uniform watering , especially during pollenation andear development . urine deep and on a regular basis , peculiarly during hot , dry periods . Fertilize the corn whisky every 2 - 3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer .
Pollination and Silking
corn whiskey is a hint - cross-pollinate plant . The tassel at the top of the stalks grow pollen that falls on thesilks emergingfrom thedeveloping ears . Silking take place when the ear are ready to be pollinate . This process is of the essence for producing well - filled ears .
Pest and Disease Control
Corn is susceptible to various cuss and diseases . vulgar pests include corn earworms , aphid , and armyworm . Diseases include corn whisky smut , leaf blight , and rust fungus . Monitor your plants on a regular basis and take appropriatecontrol measuresas needed .
Harvesting Corn
corn whisky is ready to glean when the kernels are embonpoint and milky . The silks will be dry and chocolate-brown , and the husks will have turned agolden yellow . To harvest , turn theears downwardand snap them off the stalk . Remove the husks and silks and store the corn in a nerveless , teetotal berth .
Final Touches: Enjoying Your Harvest
Once your corn is harvested , there areendless waysto bask it . you may boil , joint , grill , or microwave it . Sweet corn can be exhaust on the cob or used in salad , soups , and other dishes . champaign corn can be used tomake Indian meal , grits , and other product .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How often should I water my corn plants?A : Water corn plants deeplyand regularly , especially during hot , teetotal periods . Q : When should I fertilize my corn plants?A : Fertilize maize plantsevery 2 - 3 hebdomad with a balanced fertilizer . Q : How can Iprevent pestsfrom damage my corn plants?A : Monitor yourplants regularlyand take appropriate control measures as demand . Common pest controller method let in insecticidal atomiser ororganic solutionslike neem oil . Q : What is the best way tostore cornafter harvesting?A : storage cornin a cool , juiceless placewith the husks remove . Q : Can Igrow cornin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow cornin container . Choose a container that is at least 12inches deepand 18 inches wide .