How to Plant Golden Bantam Corn

Pull weeds, pick up debris and remove rocks from the planting site. Spread a 1- to 3-inch layer of compost over the planting area. Mix the compost into the top 8 to 10 inches of soil with a rototiller. Till the soil to break up large chunks.

Insert one wooden or metal stake in the ground at the beginning and end of each desired planting row, marking out at least four rows. Space the rows 30 to 36 inches apart.

Drag the tip of a shovel blade or hoe along the ground between the beginning and ending stakes in the first row. Push the tool into the ground while dragging it to dig a 1-inch-deep trench. Repeat this process in each of the remaining rows.

Sow "Golden Bantam" corn seeds 4 to 6 inches apart in each row, placing the seeds in the bottom of the trenches. Plant at least nine seeds in each row. Backfill each trench with 1 inch of soil. Tamp the soil down firmly over the seeds.

Attach a pulsating sprinkler to the end of a garden hose. Insert the sprinkler into the ground in the center of the planting area, positioning it so that its water spray will reach the entire area. Water the area to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Water the planting site when the top 1/2 to 3/4 inch of soil begins to dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely or become soggy. Keep the soil evenly moist to promote germination. Watch for germination sprouts four to seven days after planting.

Reduce water to when the top 1 to 1 1/2 inches of soil becomes dry. Thin the "Golden Bantam" seedlings to a spacing of 12 inches once they reach 3 to 4 inches tall.