How to Plant Corn in a Small Garden

Select an area that provides full sun and good drainage. Locate your corn at least 500 feet away from other farmed fields or nearby corn patches if you plant a supersweet hybrid. The University of Illinois Extension warns that supersweet hybrids can cross-pollinate with field corn if they tassel at the same time, causing the ears to develop with field corn features.

Work the soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. The Utah State University Extension suggests that gardeners add 2 to 4 inches of organic matter or compost and up to 2 pounds of all-purpose fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting space, and work these into the top 6 inches of garden soil.

Wait to plant your corn until the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit for standard sweet corn and 65 degrees Fahrenheit for supersweet corn, according to the University of Illinois Extension.

Place seeds at a depth of 1/2 to 2 inches. Space the seeds 9 to 12 inches apart within rows placed 2 to 3 feet apart, or create smaller blocks of rows. Plant at least two side-by-side rows of each variety of corn you choose, to ensure proper pollination, suggests the University of Illinois Extension.

Side dress fertilizer during the growing season. The Utah State University Extension suggests multiple applications of nitrogen fertilizer, applied when the plants show eight to 10 leaves and again when the silks develop.

Water frequently. Water is critical during the development of tassels and during the time when the ears undergo maturation. Sweeter varieties require more water.

Pull weeds by hand. The University of Illinois Extension notes that "chemical herbicides are not recommended for home gardens." As the corn matures, it should shade out most weeds.

Plant other crops among your corn plants to make more efficient use of the ground. Vining crops such as squash, beans and cucumbers can grow onto and around corn stalks.