How To Grow Your Own Corn

Sow, Grow, Enjoy: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Corn in Your Backyard

Corn, with its golden kernels and sweet taste, is a beloved staple in cuisines worldwide. But did you know that you can grow your own corn right in your backyard? Cultivating corn is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully grow your own corn, from selecting the right variety to harvesting those plump ears.

Choose The Right Variety

Corn comes in various types, including sweet corn, popcorn, and ornamental corn. For home gardeners, sweet corn is the most popular choice. Some common sweet corn varieties include:

‘Golden Bantam‘: A classic heirloom variety known for its exceptional flavor.
‘Honey Select‘: Produces tender, sweet ears with a high sugar content.
‘Ambrosia‘: A bi-color variety with sweet, juicy kernels.

Consider factors such as maturity date, flavor, and space requirements when selecting the right variety for your garden.

Golden Bantam Seeds

Honey Select Seeds

Ambrosia Seeds

Prepare The Soil

Corn thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve fertility and soil structure. Remove any weeds and debris from the planting area to prevent competition for nutrients.

Planting

Corn is best grown from seed directly sown into the garden soil. Plant corn seeds in blocks rather than single rows to ensure proper pollination. Space rows about 30 to 36 inches apart, with seeds planted 9 to 12 inches apart within each row. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep and cover with soil, then water thoroughly.

More Fun Corn Types To Try Out In Your Garden

4 Varieties Pack of Unique Corn Seeds

Dakota Black Corn Seeds

Seneca Red Stalker Ornamental Indian Corn Seeds

Sunlight and Watering

Corn is a sun-loving crop that requires full sunlight to thrive. Choose a sunny location in your garden where corn will receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Water regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Corn is particularly sensitive to drought, especially during the pollination stage.

Fertilization

Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium before planting and again when the plants are knee-high. Side-dress with additional fertilizer when the corn begins to tassel.

Weed Control

Keep the area around your corn plants free from weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Mulching with straw or grass clippings can help suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture. Hand-pull weeds as they appear, being careful not to disturb the corn roots.

Pollination

Corn plants rely on wind for pollination, so it’s essential to plant them in blocks rather than single rows to ensure proper pollination. Shake the tassels of the corn plants when they begin to shed pollen to facilitate pollination. Avoid planting corn near other varieties or plants that may interfere with pollination.

Pest and Disease Management

Keep an eye out for common pests such as corn earworms, aphids, and corn borers, which can damage foliage and ears. Monitor plants regularly and treat infestations promptly with organic or chemical insecticides. Practice crop rotation to minimize the risk of soil-borne diseases such as corn smut and rust.

Harvesting

Sweet corn is typically ready for harvest 18 to 24 days after the appearance of silks, depending on the variety. Test for readiness by gently pressing a kernel with your thumbnail; if the liquid inside is milky, the corn is ready to harvest. Harvest ears in the morning when sugars are at their peak for the best flavor. Pull the ears downward and twist to detach them from the stalk.

Storage and Enjoyment

Enjoy freshly harvested corn immediately for the sweetest flavor, or store it in the refrigerator for up to a few days. For longer-term storage, blanch ears in boiling water for a few minutes, then cool and freeze them in airtight containers or plastic bags. Alternatively, remove kernels from the cob and freeze them for later use in soups, stews, and other recipes.

How To Grow Corn