How to Grow Tomatoes & Corn Close Together

Start both corn and tomatoes as early in spring as possible, as both plants have long growing seasons and must come to maturity before fall frost arrives. Plant seeds or seedlings outside one week after the last frost date in your area, when soil temperatures rise to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare a planting site located in a location that gets full sun for eight hours a day. Find a site that is at least 10 by 10 feet, to give both plants enough space. Amend the soil to a depth of 1 foot with a mixture of half organic compost and half quick-draining soil. Mix starter fertilizer into the top 2 inches of soil throughout the plot.

Plant corn on one side of the plot. Push the seeds 12 inches deep in the soil, spaced at 9 to 12 inches. Plant at least two rows of corn to ensure pollination. Space the rows 26 to 30 inches, and plant the rows 4 feet long. Corn depends on wind for pollination and should never grow in short, single rows.

Plant tomato seedlings 3 feet from the last row of corn to keep them out of the corn's shade. Tomatoes won't bloom or bear fruit if they don't get eight hours of sun every day. Put stakes or veggie cages around the tomatoes and tie them up when they get tall enough to increase air circulation and sun exposure. This is especially helpful if the tomatoes are getting inadvertent shade from the corn.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch through the garden to protect both corn and tomatoes from pests and weeds, and to maintain soil warmth and moisture through the summer. Water the entire garden with 2 inches of water a week.