Growing Wheat Vs. Corn

Plant corn only in spring, after the last frost, to give it the summer for growing. Plant summer wheat in early spring, for summer growing, or plant winter wheat at the first frost. Winter wheat requires cold stratification to sprout and grow.

Prepare the soil before any planting, as both of these plants require good drainage and consistently moist soil. Choose a plot that gets full sun for at least eight hours a day, and mix a combination of half quick-draining soil and half organic compost as your amendment. Turn the amendment into the top 4 inches of soil. Any corn or wheat plot should be at least 10 feet by 10 feet, for efficient growing.

Plant corn seeds 1/2 inch deep, at 9 to 12 inches apart. Grow at least two rows of corn, at 30 to 36 inches apart, to ensure pollination. Broadcast wheat seeds at a rate of 43 seeds per square foot, or plant them more precisely at 22 seeds per 24-foot row. Space rows at 6 to 8 inches. Sprinkle 2 to 3 inches of amended soil over the wheat seeds after sowing, to protect them from drying.

Water both corn and wheat with 2 inches of water a week, and watch both plots for weeds. Rake or hoe the rows at least once a week to minimize weeds, as neither crop can succeed with too much competition. Harvest corn after 75 to 80 days, and harvest wheat at the end of the growing season.