How to Grow Corn in an Earthbox

Set up the EarthBox. Place the aeration screen and water-fill tube in the bottom of the container. The EarthBox kit will come with instructions that show exactly how to place the items in the container, and it should be evident how they fit inside. Do not install the staking system, as the corn can stand up without supports.

Fill the EarthBox with the potting mix that came with the kit. Mix in the fertilizer that comes with the kit, using the amount specified in the instructions for the size of the EarthBox.

Plant the corn seeds in a row. The National Gardening Association recommends planting corn at a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches and a spacing of 6 to 8 inches.

Place the EarthBox in a sunny location, where the corn will not be susceptible to freezing temperatures.

Give the corn 1 inch of water weekly. When the corn gets larger, it may require less frequent watering since its roots will grow nearer to the EarthBox water reservoir.

Thin the corn when it reaches 5 inches tall so the plants have at least 1 foot of space between them. In a 29-inch EarthBox, the gardener should grow two corn plants with 1 foot between them and a similar space on each end.

Apply one of the mulch covers that came in the EarthBox kit. The mulch cover will prevent weeds from growing while holding in moisture to reduce the need for watering.

Side-dress the corn with a high nitrogen fertilizer when it reaches 8 to 10 inches tall, when its silks appear, and again if it starts to yellow. EarthBox kits come with balanced fertilizers, but corn uses more nitrogen than other nutrients. Sprinkle fertilizer in a row on the surface of the soil, 5 to 6 inches away from the plants on each side. Apply 1 tbsp. of nitrogen per plant.