How to Plant Corn in Zone 7

Start your corn planting 10 to 14 days after the last frost in your area, to protect corn from cold temperatures. Last frost in Zone 7 falls from early to mid-April, depending on region. This puts corn planting in late April to early May, and still gives corn at least 90 days for growth before the first frost in October.

Find a site that gets full sun for eight hours every day, with complete drainage. Never plant corn where puddles accrue, as the plants will suffer and freeze in standing water. Choose a site that offers at least 10 feet by 10 feet of growing space, as corn takes up a lot of room.

Rake the site ahead of time to eliminate weeds, rocks, roots and any litter. Corn does not grow well in crowded situations or with competition.

Amend the soil with a combination of half quick-draining soil and half organic compost, to give corn the right mixture of drainage and nutrition. Turn 3 inches of this mixture into the top 6 inches of soil, then add 12-12-12 fertilizer to your tilled soil.

Plant corn in rows that run with the prevailing wind, so the plants can use wind for pollination. Push kernels 1 to 2 inches deep, 8 to 10 inches apart, in rows spaced at 2 to 3 feet. Plant three to four rows the length of your garden, to ensure pollination.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the soil to maintain soil warmth and eliminate weed growth, then water the corn with 2 inches of water.