by Jennifer Poindexter
Have you ever tried to raise corn? It’s a favorite crop among many gardeners and seems to grow well under a variety of conditions. However, there are common struggles many gardeners face when it comes to this plant.
Before raising any crop, it’s important to understand the hardships, so you can know the solution before you run into the problem. For this reason, I’m going to share some of the common mistakes gardeners make when growing corn. I’ll also share their solutions.
If you’re interested in adding corn to your garden, here are the mistakes you should try to avoid.
1. Planting in Wet Soil
You don’t plant in wet soil. This is a common tip which works for a variety of plants. Corn is no different. If the soil is slightly damp, you might be okay for planting.
However, if the soil is fully saturated, the dirt becomes like concrete. This makes it difficult for seeds to sprout under these conditions. It also has a negative impact on the root systems of plants.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
This mistake can be avoided by waiting until wet soil dries out, before attempting to plant corn seed. If you plant while the ground is wet, the seeds may not germinate.
When dirt is too compact, the seeds struggle to form plants. Therefore, wait until the soil is dry and aerated. The ideal soil resembles a moist brownie. If your soil looks more like a smooshed brownie, hold off on planting corn.
2. Not Fertilizing
All plants need food. You should amend the soil prior to planting, but some crops might still require fertilizer during the growing process.
Corn is no different. It doesn’t require a ton of extra attention. However, there are specific times when this crop should be fed. Your harvest will be better if you supply what the crop needs at the appropriate times.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
You avoid this mistake by ensuring you understand when corn should be fertilized and following through with the process.
Corn should be fertilized when they’re four inches tall, ten inches tall, and when the ears begin forming silks. This will ensure the plants have what they need to produce adequately. Be sure to use a balanced fertilizer each time.
3. Planting Too Deep or Shallow
There is a reason seasoned gardeners recommend planting at specific depths. If you plant too shallow, the seeds rot before they have an opportunity to sprout.
However, if you plant too deep, the seeds can’t germinate. It’s vital to understand at what depth corn should be planted. This will help you begin the grow season on the right foot.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
You avoid this mistake by planting corn at the appropriate depth for germination. Corn should be planted approximately one inch deep.
However, there may be times when you must dig a little deeper. If this is the case in your set-up, don’t go further than three inches. If you plant deeper, it could cause the germination rate of your corn to decrease significantly.
4. Ignoring Pests and Diseases
There are a variety of pests and diseases which impact corn. I’ll be upfront with you. If your corn has a disease, you’ll know it because many of the diseases leave the corn appearing deformed and unappetizing. The same can be said for pests.
Yet, you should stay alert to these issues because by the time they take over, it’s too late. Your corn harvest will be deeply impacted.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
Corn can be impacted by fungal and bacterial diseases. Again, if a fungal disease impacts your corn, it’s common to see the plants suffering and the ears of corn appear misshapen and unappealing.This can happen with pests and bacterial diseases as well.
Therefore, at the first sign of trouble, research potential causes and treat accordingly. Most fungal diseases can be treated with a fungicide and by increasing airflow around the plant. You can deter pest issues by treating with an insecticide.
5. Failing to Prep the Grow Space
Corn is a taller crop. There are container versions of this plant, but in most cases, corn will be grown in a typical garden bed.
Regardless of where the crop is grown, the area must be worked to become ready for the plants to grow. Ensuring the grow space is handled properly from the start might help with avoiding potential issues.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
You can avoid this mistake by taking the time to work the soil and amend it, as needed. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil prior to planting.
However, you’ll also want to make sure the soil is light, fluffy, and rich. This will give the seeds a better area for germination and also supply what the crop needs in its earliest stages.
6. Not Planting in the Right Design
Have you ever seen people plant extremely long rows of corn? This works for commercial farmers because they pack many rows into an area.
However, in a smaller garden, there is a specific design corn should be planted in. Otherwise, you could cause pollination issues and negatively impact your crop.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
You avoid pollination mistakes by ensuring you plant your crop in the right design. This can be done by planting corn in a box shape, instead of planting in longer rows.
If you’d like two long rows of corn, you might be better served by planting four shorter rows of corn to form a square. This way, when the wind blows, the corn can be pollinated. It also helps protect your crop from strong winds.
7. Failing to Thin the Plants
When I first began growing corn, this mistake is what tripped me up the first few times. It’s easy to become heavy-handed when planting corn seeds.
As they germinate, you may hate to thin the sprouts. However, you must thin them, to give your corn the space it needs.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
When corn is initially planted, it should be placed an inch into the soil and with three inches of space between seeds. This is for a germination insurance policy.
In the event some seeds don’t germinate, you should have enough plants to still have a good-sized harvest. Once the corn sprouts, you should leave one foot of space between the plants. This will deter your crops from competing for nutrients within a grow space.
8. Picking at the Wrong Time
Gardening is all about timing. Corn is no different. You must pick your harvest at the right time, or you won’t receive all that you could.
Therefore, be sure you understand the signs for when to pick corn. By following this method, you’re setting yourself up for success at harvest time.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
Corn goes through a variety of stages. As the stalks of corn grow taller, you’ll begin seeing ears form and finally silks.
Wait approximately three weeks after the silks form before you pick the corn. By this time, the ears should be full and green. Yet, the silks should appear dried. Each stalk should have at least one ear. Some stalks may have two.
9. Not Watering Correctly
Before we wrap up all that you shouldn’t do when growing corn, water must be discussed. I waited to discuss this last because it’s more in depth than some of the other mistakes commonly made.
Many gardeners water corn lightly on a daily basis. This doesn’t encourage the plant to form strong roots which can hinder the harvest.
How to Avoid this Mistake:
You can avoid this mistake by watering your plants deeply. You’ll water fewer days of the week but for longer periods of time.This ensures water reaches the roots and encourages the root system to dig deeper between watering sessions.
A stronger root system typically creates stronger plants. If the corn begins to wilt, or if you check the soil and it’s dry to your first knuckle, you’ll know it’s time for another watering session.
This concludes the mistakes many gardeners make when growing corn. If you’ll become familiar with these issues, and their solutions, it should help you overcome common problems when raising this crop.
Corn isn’t a difficult vegetable to add to your garden. Troubleshoot your issues, avoid common mistakes, and you might be able to produce a bountiful harvest right in your own backyard.
Learn More About Growing Corn
https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-sweet-corn
I really appreciate these valuable tips. I have learned some very useful information. Thankyou
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