Corn

Growing

Because corn is wind-pollinated, plant your seeds in blocks rather than long, single rows. This proximity lets pollen from the tassels reach the silks on the developing ears, preventing gaps in the kernels. When preparing your garden, use a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and keep the ground consistently moist, as periods of drought can lead to crop failure.

If you are growing sweet corn for fresh eating, timing matters. Harvest during the "milk stage," which occurs after pollination but before the kernels begin to develop hard starch. You can check for ripeness by pressing a kernel; if a milky liquid escapes, it is ready. For a longer harvest window, plant different varieties or make staggered plantings at two-week intervals.

Check your stalks for pests like the European corn borer or corn rootworm, as well as fungal issues like corn smut or tar spot. If you are harvesting grain corn for drying, you can leave the ears in the field into the late autumn or even winter so the kernels dry thoroughly. Once picked, sweet corn is best used immediately or blanched before freezing, while grain can be dried and stored in husks.