Among all the fruits I grow in my garden, corn is one of my favorites, and I grow it yearly. The reason for being one of my favorites is that it tests my knowledge and skills in gardening.
Well, I must admit that it does not fall into the sensitive category. However, its higher food and water consumption demands more time and effort. Also, the frequent need for soil care adds to the associated challenges of growing corn in your garden.
Here, I share my personal guide on how to grow corn with tips for care and maintenance. You will find this guide helpful if you are interested in growing this starchy food. Let’s start.
Basics of Growing Corn
In this section, I elaborate on different varieties of corns and the associated needs. I will also inform you of the general requirements of corn growing in terms of climate, soil, sunny, etc. characteristics.
Varieties of Corns
The following table informs you about different varieties of corn according to the suitability of weather conditions and soil quality requirements.
| Corn varieties | Soil quality and temperature |
| Jubille, Honey & Cream | Well-drained soil, high-temperature |
| Pioneer hybrids | Well-drained and moderate soil, hot weather |
| Sunburst, Sunglow, Illini Xtra Sweet | Sandy soil, hot weather |
| Drought-Gard hybrids | Sandy soil, hot weather |
| Early Sunglow, Seneca Horizon, Northern Lights | Clay soil, cool temperature |
Climatic Requirements for Optimal Growth
I list the ideal climatic conditions for optimal growth of the corn plants.
- The maize’s good growth and yield require 15°C to 35°C of temperature during the growing period.
- On average, the corn plants require 6-8 hours of direct sunny for their photosynthesis process.
- You must grow corn during the frost-free seasons. It is advised that late April to early May is the best timeslot to grow corn.
- It has been observed that there is 80% less yield if the corn plants experience moisture-related stress. So, if there is very little rainfall in your area, you need to put some serious effort into irrigation.
Ideal Soil Quality Requirements for Optimal Growth of Corns
You must ensure that your garden’s soil contains the below-listed characteristics.
- As per the core, loamy or sandy soil with a greater drainage property is highly suitable for the substantial growth of the corn.
- Corn plants favor slightly acidic soil, which demands a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5.
- Like every other veggie and fruit, corn also requires nutrient-rich soil.
A Stepwise Guide on How to Grow Corn
Well, now you have gained basic knowledge about the requirements for growing corn in your garden. Let’s know the stepwise guide to growing corn.
Here, you must keep in mind that you have to initiate the growing process after the frost context in the weather is gone and select the suitable corn variety at this step before starting the growing process.
Step 01: Allocate the Right Space
First of all, you have to allocate the right space for growing corn. Your garden should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours every day.
Again, you have to calculate the space requirement carefully. Generally, a 4-foot X 4-foot area can accommodate 15-19 corn plants. So, ensure that the allocated space size is adequate enough to support your harvest quantity needs.
Step 02: Soil Preparation
If you are just a beginner in gardening, I recommend you go for a soil test to evaluate its characteristics and nutrient level. Collect soil samples and take them to the nearby soil testing lab.
Upon getting the result, incorporate the approaches listed below to address the most common issues.
- If the soil pH is below 6.0, you have to apply wood ash or agricultural lime to increase the pH level. Again, if the soil pH is far higher than 7.5, you have to use elemental sulfur to reduce the pH level.
- If the soil’s drainage capacity is poor, you must embrace three things. First, apply compost, leaf mold, and green manure. Second, soil should be added to raise the bed. Third, reduce the compaction level of the soil.
- Remove the weeds, dirt, stones, debris, etc., from the soil.
- Add organic matter as part of the soil amending process depending on the nutrient lacking.
- You must regularly water the soil bed to keep the soil particles moist, even if there is no plant.
Step 03: Sowing the Seeds
In general, you can sow the cron seeds directly into the soil bed. There is no need to go for seed germination in containers and transplantation to the soil bed. It reduces your workload also.
However, start the sowing process by warping the seeds in damp paper towels for 24 hours to ensure faster germination. Now, to sow the seeds, you first have to create multiple rows on the soil bed.
You have to maintain a 2-2.5 feet row-to-row distance. Second, create 2-inch to 2.5-inch deep holes in the rows, keeping a minimum of 2-inch distance from one hole to another. Third, place the seed into the created holes one by one.
Cover the seed with soil mix gently. Finally, water the whole soil bed appropriately while restricting water logging.
Step 04: Germination and Taking Care of Seedlings
The corn seeds’ germination process is typically completed within 5-14 days. Son, during this period, you must water the soil bed regularly.
After the seedlings come out, start taking care of those seedlings by incorporating the measures below.
- Do regular watering. You must ensure that the water reaches the seedling roots. Again, be careful that the watering does not create a shaggy endeavor or rip off the soil, exposing the roots.
- Remove weeds regularly so that the seedlings get adequate nutrients.
- When the seedlings reach 8 inches highest, go for thinning. It will eliminate the overcrowded scenario, effectively ensuring the plants can grow without any obstruction.
- At this time, you also have to cast fertilizers. Here, you have two particular options. First, you can apply organic compost to boost the plants’ health. Otherwise, you can apply inorganic fertilizer to nutrient the corn plants. You can use inorganic fertilizers like KCI, SP 36, or Urea.
- Keep monitoring and protect the new plants from birds and other animals.
So, you have successfully grown the corn plants. Now, you have to take care of the plants till the harvest.
Tips for Care and Maintenance Corn Plants
You must incorporate the tips below for the care and maintenance of corn plants’ growth and substantial yield.
Watering
As mentioned earlier, corn plants require consistent and continuous watering. You have to opt for 1-1.5 inch water per week.
Weeding and Fertilizing
Weeds on the corn soil bed eat up the nutrients available for the corn plants. You must get rid of the weeds by extracting them manually. If the space is large, you can use pre-emergent herbicides to control the weeds effectively.
Now, for fertilizing, I suggest you use organic compost. You can also go for side-dressing using nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Pest and Diseases Management
Consult the following table to facilitate pest and disease management.
| Issue criteria | Name | Solution |
| Pests | Earwarm | Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) solutions |
| Armyworm | Beneficial insects like ladybugs | |
| European Corn Borer | Quality insecticides | |
| Diseases | Fungal Leaf Blights | Crop rotation, tillage, or stover harvest |
| Stalk Rots | Restrict using contaminated water, tillage |
Final Words
It is certain that growing corn in your garden is a rewarding experience, even though it sometimes demands more effort and time than your needs. I am sure that by using my guide on how to grow corn, you will be able to meet your yearly corn needs efficiently.
Also, the tips for care and maintenance are highly practical in getting a good yield. Finally, if you are new to corn growing, I strongly recommend purchasing the corn seeds from a reputed seller. Next on, use some harvests to get your seeds for the next season.
