How to Plant Straight Corn Field Rows

Till the soil in which you intend to plant the corn. The soil should be tilled to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Use a rototiller, spade or plow to thoroughly till the soil. Break up any clumps of dirt or sod and remove all large rocks. Rake the surface of the soil to create a uniform, level surface.

Push a wooden stake into the soil at the point where you'd like the first row of corn to end. Then drive another wooden stake into the soil directly opposite the first stake. The length of the corn row is entirely up to you

Tie the end of your cord or string to one of the wooden stakes. Allow enough cord/string to unravel so that it reaches to the stake at the opposite end of the row. Cut the cord or string and tie it around the second stake. Make sure you pull the cord/string so that it's tight between the two stake. The string or cord will form a straight line between the stakes.

Follow along the cord/string and make a furrow with the blade of your garden hoe. The furrow should be roughly 1-½ to 2 inches deep. If the soil is thick or heavy, the furrow should be closer to 1 inch in depth. Place the seeds in the furrow roughly 8 to 10 inches apart and evenly cover them with soil. Do not mound the dirt atop the corn rows.

Repeat this technique as many times as necessary to make at least four rows of corn. By planting at least four rows (even short rows), you will ensure the corn is properly pollinated. This is due to the fact that corn pollen is carried by wind. Allow for 2 to 3 feet between each straight row of corn.