If you’re dreaming of that fresh corn-on-the cob flavor in your own backyard, then growing corn in raised beds may be the perfect solution. Find out what supplies and techniques are necessary to ensure a successful crop of corn with this helpful guide.
“Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.” – Unknown
Back To Basics
- Typically corn is open pollinated, meaning pollinated by the wind (and with help of some pollinators).
- Corn does best if grown in full sun and in generously fertilized and watered soil.
- Sow seeds as soon as the soil has warmed in spring.
- Each silk strand pollinates one kernel of corn.
- The tassels hold all the pollen.
- Corn will be ready to harvest in 75-90 days.
Where To Begin
First and foremost, what TYPE of corn do you want to grow? There are SO many different varieties of corn, it’s important to know what to look for.
Different types of corn:
- Sweet and super sweet corn
- Ornamental (Flint) corn
- Dent corn
- Heirloom corn
- Blue corn
- Red corn
- Popcorn
Needless to say, you have some options to choose from!
Where to buy corn seeds?
I recommend checking out your local garden centers and farmers markets to see what they may have in stock. Another option is scoping out online.
If buying seeds online, make sure to look for “non-gmo” seeds or look for a “safe seed pledge.” This means they are not genetically modified seeds.
Where To Grow Corn
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a lot of space to grow corn. In fact, you can grow corn in either a container or raised bed! I ended up growing my first batch of corn in a 2×4 raised bed.
The truth is, many people have success with growing corn in very small spaces and hand pollination is a great way to boost your chances of a successful harvest.
How To Plant Corn
- Generously fertilize soil, corn is a heavy feeder!
- Sow corn seeds 4-6in apart
- Rows 24-26in apart (OR 2-3 feet apart)
- Generously water corn
- Plant as soon as soil has warmed in spring.
- For succession planting, plant every 3 weeks until early summer.
- Harvest when the silk tufts have turned brown and when a milky substance spurts out of a kernel using a fingernail test.
Supplies Needed To Grow Corn
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Happy gardening and have fun!
Kindly,
Kate