Growing Corn: Block Planting, Soil Fertility & Harvest Timing

Corn makes a striking backdrop and delicious ears. Wind pollination demands block planting.

Site & Soil

North side of garden, full sun. Fertile, well-drained, pH 6.0–6.5. Amend with rotted manure. Side-dress nitrogen at knee-high.

After frost. Seeds ½–1″ deep, 3–4″ apart, rows 24–32″. Thin to 10–12″. Block of 4+ rows for pollination.

Plant varieties with different maturities or sow every 2–3 weeks. Heat hurts pollination—spread risk.

Hill soil at 6″ height (anchors, cools roots). Mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds.

Ears full, kernel milk, silk brown/crisp. Pick promptly—sugar converts to starch fast.

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