Corn
Where should you grow Corn?
Corn thrives in a pallet collar, preferably a double one, as the plants are nutrient-demanding and have deep roots. Since Corn is pollinated by the wind, it’s a good idea to fill up the collar properly, as this increases the chance of all the cobs being pollinated properly. We usually try to cram 15 plants into a collar, but bear in mind that a lot of nutrients and plenty of water will be needed for the plants to grow properly.
In the open air, you should plant corn in blocks, rather than rows, for the same reason as above. The corn thrives in sunny and warm conditions, but it doesn’t matter if it’s a bit windy, as it helps with pollination.
We usually co-cultivate the corn with squash and beans – the so-called ‘three sisters’. The squash acts as a ground cover, keeping the weeds at bay, and the beans can climb on the corn. What’s more, the beans fix nitrogen, which nourishes the soil. Clever, eh?
Never grow more than one variety of corn in the same garden. If pollen from another variety reaches your cobs, they will not fully develop.
Pre-cultivation
Because corn is sensitive to cold, it is difficult to direct sow. If you’re lucky with the weather (and live in growing zones 1-3) it can be done, but the chances of a good harvest increase significantly if you pull the plants up indoors.
Corn has delicate roots and does not like to be replanted. Therefore, choose a pot that is easy to replant from. The size should also be such that you don’t have to retrain the plants indoors before they go outside. Openable pots are available, but you can also use toilet paper rolls, or make pots from newspapers.
Avoid sowing too early. The corn needs a couple of weeks to develop before you plant it out. If you start too early, the risk is that the plants will be weak. The corn should be kept in a warm place at first, and then in a cooler and brighter place once it has started to germinate – either in a window with plenty of sun, or under plant lighting. Keep the soil moist by watering frequently but sparingly.
Once the risk of frost is over, it’s time for planting out. The seedlings should be at least 10 cm tall. First harden off the seedlings and then plant them out. If the roots are tangled, it may be a good idea to untangle them, using a pencil for example. But be careful.
Fertilisation and care
In a pallet collar, you should apply at least one 40-litre bag of cow manure as a basic fertiliser. During the summer, you should then water the manure regularly and, not least, water abundantly!
To help pollination along, we usually give the plants a little shake every now and then as we walk past. This increases the chances of fully developed cobs.
Harvesting
The corn is ready when the ‘beard’ at the end of the cob has wilted. This usually happens in late August or early Septemberand depends on the growing zone and when you planted the corn. To be sure if the corn is ready, you can crush a grain of maize. If white liquid is secreted, the corn is ready.
Our American neighbour, George, told us that to get really fresh corn, his mother used to boil the water before picking the maize and putting it in. His wife countered that her mum would boil the water, take the pot outside and only cut the corn when it was in the water.
But we think it’s best to throw the corn on the barbecue. This cooks it in its shell, while giving it a lovely barbecue flavour.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-10-14