How to Keep Corn From Falling Over

Plant seeds efficiently. Make sure all danger of frost is past before planting. Plant corn with 2 to 4 inches of depth. If you follow the instructions on seed package, corn will only be planted at 1 inch. This leaves the corn at high risk for falling over. Corn also must be planted in a block of rows. Sow the seeds 3 to 4 inches apart in rows 24-32 inches apart.

Fertilize corn with a corn-specific blend of nutrients. A 10-10-10 fertilizer works well for corn. Your local nursery should have fertilizer that will help with the missing nutrients of your region.

Water the corn regularly. Corn needs a lot of water to maintain it's structure. Water deeply in times of low rainfall. Add a mulch to the corn if you live in a dry climate and are worried about the corn losing too much moisture. Wet newspaper can be used for mulching.

Add additional soil and more fertilizer to the corn. When the plants reach six feet, create a mound of soil around the base of the stalk. Add nitrogen through manure or a liquid plant fertilizer.

Reinforce the stalks. Take a few long pieces of thin rope and wrap it around the entire block of stalks. This helps prevent it from falling over in windy weather and thunderstorms.

Stake the stalks. If your corn is still falling, stakes will keep the stalks upright. The falling over may be a sign of a beetle or other invasive pest, so hunt around for damage to the roots, leaves and corn silk for the pests. Corn stakes can be anything tall that will stay put in the ground. Tall pieces of wood from the lumberyard would certainly suffice. Tie the stalks onto the stakes using a thin rope.