How to Plant Sweet Corn in Michigan

Prepare a spot for sweet corn in the vegetable garden that is in full sun. Allot space for a block of corn, planted in several short rows for better pollination, although corn planted in a single row will also be adequately pollinated, according to University of New Hampshire Extension. Ensure the tall-growing corn will not shade other plants as it grows.

Apply granulated 10-10-10 fertilizer to the surface of the soil, before tilling, at the rate of 25 lbs. for every 1,000 square feet of growing space. The fertilizer will be incorporated into the soil along with the organic matter in the following step.

Amend your soil, if possible, with organic matter to lighten its texture. Corn grows best in loamy sand or sandy loam soil, but will also grow on heavier clay soils, according to University of New Hampshire Extension. Incorporate coarse builders' sand, compost and the fertilizer applied in Step 2, into the corn planting area. Spread a combined 2- to 6-inch layer of these amendments on the surface of the soil and dig it in with a garden spade. Rake the soil smooth when you are finished digging.

Space seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in several adjoining short rows that are 30 to 36 inches apart. Plant seeds about one inch deep in average soil and slightly deeper in sandy soils. Firm the surface of the soil gently after sowing seeds. Plant successive plantings of the same variety of sweet corn every week to 10 days for a longer harvest period.

Water newly planted seeds with a soaker hose or sprinkler to thoroughly moisten the seed bed. Water the bed as needed to keep it moist until the seeds germinate in approximately seven to 10 days.