Can I Grow Corn in a Raised Garden?

Raised Beds

• In a raised bed, the soil level in the garden area is higher than the surrounding soil, typically 6 to 8 inches. The bed can be as long as the garden requires but should be no wider than 4 feet to allow for easy accesses into the bed without the need to step in and compress the planting area. You can frame raised beds with wood to help contain the soil or simply raise them above the garden level by raking the surrounding earth into the bed area until you reach the desired height.

Planting

• Raised beds are ideal for corn growth. Not only do the beds provide the heat and drainage required; they also allow for block planting versus the customary row planting. Corn is wind-pollinated, and planting in block formation allows for easy pollination -- even a gentle breeze will move the stalks, allowing the pollen to move from one plant to another. Plant corn seeds after the last frost.

Summer Care

• While corn does not like wet conditions, a raised bed does dry out more quickly than level ground planting, so it requires regular watering during the hot summer months. Compost and manure are the best additives for any vegetable plantings; when the new corn stalks reach 12 inches, add a layer of either. During the growing season, a regular application of weak manure tea also will support strong growth.

Increase Your Vegetable Output

• Plant vines and climbers among the corn. Pole beans work well around the outside of the garden to grow up the cornstalks, or try squash and zucchini between the rows. Plant new seeds when stalks are 8 inches high; the additional plants will not damage the corn. Harvest all produce as usual when ready.