Vegetable:
Corn
1. When – Plant around the middle of Spring. Make sure to not plant too early, as corn is very susceptible to frost and enjoys a warm soil to grow in. Seeds can be started indoors in April and planted in the ground in May.
2. Where – 6-8 hours of full sun. Corn needs full sun most of the day to produce a large yield. Soil should be well draining but stay moist as corn needs a lot of water.
3. How – Plant seeds 1-2 inches into the surface of the soil, 8-12 inches apart. Plant three seeds per hole to ensure germination. Thin out plants to just one per hole once they begin sprouting.
4. Harvesting – Corn is ready when the tassels at the end turn a dark brown, around 6 weeks after first appearing. The corn inside should be firm and moist. To test, peel back the husk partially and stick a fingernail into one of the kernels. If it exudes a creamy liquid, it is ready. Preferably harvest in the early morning, grasp the ear firmly and pull down, then twist and pull off completely.
5. Tips – Fertilize with 5-10-10 when first planting. Once the plants are 6-10 inches tall, fertilize with 5-10-5. Make sure to plant somewhere with adequate airflow or the plants can pick up diseases. Also, be weary, certain bugs such as corn earworms love to eat corn. Give the corn a close inspection before biting in!
Type:
Annual
Time to harvest:
60-100 days heavily dependent on the variety
Plant Origin:
Central Mexico around 7,000 years ago
How to Cultivate 