Planting a Big Sweet Corn!
#farm #farmlife #corn #cornfield
There’s something deeply satisfying about planting sweet corn—watching tiny seeds grow into towering green stalks, then harvesting juicy, golden kernels that taste like summer in every bite. Whether you’re working acres of land or just a backyard garden, planting sweet corn is a rewarding farm life experience that connects you with the land and the rhythms of nature.
Choosing the Right Sweet Corn Variety
Before planting, choose the right type of sweet corn for your needs. There are three main categories:
- Standard (SU): Traditional sweet corn with that classic corn flavor. These need to be eaten soon after picking.
- Sugary Enhanced (SE): Sweeter and more tender than SU, with a longer harvest window.
- Super Sweet (SH2): The sweetest variety with extra-long shelf life but more sensitive to cool soil.
Whichever type you choose, be sure to select a variety that grows well in your climate zone. Look for names like ‘Silver Queen,’ ‘Peaches & Cream,’ or ‘Honey Select’ at your local seed supplier.
Preparing the Cornfield
Sweet corn needs a sunny location with well-draining soil. Begin by tilling the ground and removing weeds. Sweet corn is a heavy feeder, so enrich the soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) before planting. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
To improve pollination (which is crucial for full, well-formed ears), plant corn in blocks of short rows rather than one long row.
When and How to Plant
Wait until the soil warms to at least 60°F (or 65°F for SH2 varieties). Cold, wet soil can rot seeds or stunt germination. Plant seeds 1–1.5 inches deep and 8–12 inches apart in rows spaced about 30–36 inches apart.
For a continuous harvest, stagger your planting every two weeks for up to six weeks, or choose varieties with different maturity dates.
Watering and Fertilizing
Sweet corn loves water, especially during tasseling and ear development. Water deeply about once a week, or more frequently during dry spells. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about knee-high, and again when tassels appear.
Common Challenges
- Weeds: Keep the corn rows weed-free, especially early on, to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Pests: Watch for corn earworms and aphids. Organic insecticides or row covers can help protect your crop.
- Poor Pollination: If you find ears with missing kernels, it’s likely due to poor pollination. Ensure your corn is planted in blocks and avoid planting too few rows.
Harvesting Sweet Corn
Your sweet corn will be ready about 18–24 days after the silk appears. To check for ripeness, gently peel back some of the husk and press a kernel with your fingernail. If a milky liquid comes out, it’s ready. If it’s clear, wait a few days. If no liquid, it may be overripe.
Harvest early in the morning when sugars are at their peak. Sweet corn loses sweetness quickly after picking, so eat, can, or freeze it soon after harvest.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like growing your own sweet corn. From planting the seeds in rich, sun-warmed soil to walking through the cornfield surrounded by tall, whispering stalks, it’s an experience rooted in tradition and hard work. Whether you’re growing for family meals, farm stand sales, or just for the love of farming, planting big sweet corn brings joy, sustenance, and a real sense of accomplishment.
Get your seeds ready, fire up the tractor, and let’s grow something sweet this season!
#farm #farmlife #corn #cornfield 🌽🌾🚜
