When Do I Plant My Corn Crop?

Timing

• Wait to plant corn until mid-June. Corn should be planted in the third or fourth week. Planting corn even one week too early may cause it to grow improperly; corn needs very warm weather to thrive. The most favorable growing conditions for corn occur around the first week of July. Corn crops should be planted by this time so that early growth will occur under the best possible circumstances.

Planting

• Choose a well-drained site for corn plants. The area should be free of shade. Prior to planting, amend the soil with 2 to 4 inches of organic fertilizer. Before planting, test soil temperatures. Corn should not be planted in soil that is cooler than 60 degrees F. Space rows of corn 24 to 30 inches apart. Seeds should be spaced 12 inches apart within each row. Plant corn seeds 2 inches deep into the soil. Corn seeds may be planted until the beginning of July.

Cultivation

• Corn will only grow in temperatures above 60 degrees F, and frost may damage the plants. If temperatures unexpectedly drop, protect corn by covering it with plastic wrap until the air and soil warm up again. Corn cultivars are available in 65-, 70-, 75- and 80-day varieties. The time denotes how long it takes for the corn to ripen after it has been planted. Cover the soil around corn plants with clear plastic or organic mulch to keep the ground warm, prevent weeds and conserve soil moisture during the growing season.

Harvest

• Ears of corn are ready for harvesting 15 to 24 days after the silk around the husk begins to grow. The silk will turn brown and become very dry to the touch, while the husk will be green in color and moist to the touch. Corn kernels will be plump and filled with milk-like liquid. Harvest ears of corn by gripping them tightly and pulling downward while twisting. The ears should snap right off the stalk.