Steps to Planting Corn

Types

• Corn types include field corn, ornamental corn, popcorn and sweet corn. Home gardeners usually plant sweet corn, the common variety served on the cob at summer barbecues.

Time Frame

• Corn is sensitive to cold and shouldn't be planted until soil temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Most varieties of sweet corn will mature in 60 to 90 days from the time of planting. The variety of seed, soil conditions and temperature affect the rate of maturity.

Seeding

• Refer to your seed packet for instructions on planting your specific variety of corn. In general, you should plant the seeds approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep and 12 to 15 inches apart. Leave 30 to 35 inches between rows.

Considerations

• Corn relies on wind for pollination. Plant corn in short blocks of at least three rows rather than one single long row to allow for efficient pollen distribution.

Harvesting

• Corn is usually ready to harvest approximately three weeks after the silk appears on the ears. Test the kernels before harvesting; they should be firm and tightly packed.