Fertilizer Rates for Corn

Planting Site

• Corn should grow in areas with quick, efficient drainage that receive six to eight hours of full sun every day. Corn plants require deep, loamy soil and do best with an initial boost of nutrition through organic compost.

Starter Fertilizer

• The University of Georgia recommends 10-10-10 fertilizer as starter fertilizer for corn. The university advises gardeners to mix 6 lbs. of 10-10-10 into the ground per 100 square feet of planting.

Ongoing Feedings

• Corn favors nitrate or nitrogen-heavy fertilizers during the growing season, according to The University of Georgia. Gardeners should side dress corn with 34-0-0 fertilizer twice during the summer, when blooming starts and then again when corn begins to develop using 1 lb. of fertilizer per 100 square feet of growing area.

Fertilizer Application

• Gardeners must water the corn every time they fertilize to help the fertilizer soak into the soil and reach corn roots. Fertilizer is ineffective if it sits dry in the soil.