Tips on Growing Corn Stalks

Season

• Corn is sensitive to cold temperatures and requires a completely frost-free growing season. Judge your corn's season based on a cultivar's maturity date, and plant early enough to give the corn time to grow and mature before the first frost. Don't plant when spread frost remains on the ground, though; Purdue University recommends waiting until at least 10 days after the last frost of the season to plant corn.

Site

• Corn requires warm air and soil for planting and needs bright sunshine for at least eight hours a day to grow. Plant corn in wide open spots where it gets good sunshine, drainage and air circulation. Plant at least four rows of corn in a square formation to encourage pollination and fruiting. Align your rows with the prevailing wind to take advantage of wind pollination.

Soil and Nutrition

• Corn does best with deep, rich and loose soil for drainage and nutrition. Amend soil to a depth of 6 inches with 3 inches of organic compost and 12-12-12 fertilizer. The tilling and amendment warms and loosens soil for planting while the compost adds nutrition and moisture-retaining fiber to the soil.

Planting

• Push corn kernels 1 inch into the soil at 8 to 10 inches in rows at 2 to 3 feet. Don't plant corn too closely as it will grow crowded and fail due to lack of sunlight or air. If you have seed that doesn't germinate, leave the spots empty rather than replanting. Younger corn seedlings won't get the sun or air they need and will fail.

Growing

• Water corn consistently with 2 to 3 inches of water a week to ensure a good corn harvest. Use 2 to 3 inches of mulch on the soil to maintain moisture and warmth and to discourage weeds. If you don't use mulch, cultivate the soil once a week to restrict weed growth.