How to Hedge Corn

Prepare the bed where you will be planting your hedge after the last date of expected frost. Dig in 4 inches of compost and 2 lbs. of all-purpose fertilizer per 100 square feet to a depth of 6 inches.

Remove any weeds or rocks that are in the planting bed. Push two or three seeds into the soil to a depth of 1 or 2 inches. Space the seed groups 12 inches apart.

Water the bed and spread clear polyethylene mulch film over the bed to keep moisture in and warm the soil. Remove the cover once germination is achieved.

Keep weeds out of the bed and the soil moist to a depth of 6 inches. Mulch around the plants to prevent weeds and conserve moisture. Spread 3 inches out 2 feet from the plant's stalk. Leave 1/2 inch clear of mulch around the stalk to prevent rot and insects.

Pollinate the corn by hand when the tassels are fully open and bear yellow pollen. Snap the tassels off the plant between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., when the most pollen is available and dew has dried.

Dust over the silk that is just showing on the young ears. Pollination is necessary because the wind will not ensure the pollen gets on the silk in a row formation. Pollinate daily for a week, using a fresh tassel each time.

Harvest the corn when it is fully ripe and the kernels are plump. When all the corn is gone, leave the hedge up to dry and add an interesting fall touch to your garden.