Complete Corn Growing Guide

Corn is America's most iconic crop, and there's nothing quite like biting into a freshly harvested ear of sweet corn from your own garden. Whether you're growing in a large backyard or a small raised bed, this comprehensive guide will help you achieve a bountiful corn harvest.

Why Grow Your Own Corn?

Store-bought corn can't compare to homegrown. Within hours of harvest, corn's sugars begin converting to starch, diminishing that sweet, fresh flavor. Growing your own means peak sweetness on your plate within minutes of picking.

Choosing the Right Variety

Sweet Corn Types

• Standard (su): Traditional sweet corn, best eaten immediately after harvest
• Sugar Enhanced (se): Sweeter and more tender, holds quality longer
• Supersweet (sh2): Highest sugar content, stays sweet for days

Popular Varieties for Home Gardens

• Peaches and Cream: Bicolor, excellent flavor, 83 days
• Silver Queen: White kernels, classic favorite, 92 days
• Golden Bantam: Yellow heirloom, 80 days
• Honey Select: Triplesweet variety, 79 days

When to Plant Corn

Corn is a warm-season crop that needs soil temperatures of at least 60°F (65°F for supersweet varieties). In most of the USA:

• Zone 3-5: Late May to early June
• Zone 6-7: Mid-April to May
• Zone 8-10: March to April, with fall plantings possible

Planting Corn Correctly

Block Planting for Pollination

Corn is wind-pollinated, so plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than single long rows. This ensures proper pollination and full ear development.

Spacing Guidelines

• Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep
• Space seeds 8-12 inches apart
• Rows should be 30-36 inches apart
• Thin seedlings to strongest plants

Caring for Your Corn

Watering

Corn needs consistent moisture, especially during tasseling and ear formation. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Drought stress during pollination causes missing kernels.

Fertilizing

Corn is a heavy nitrogen feeder. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are knee-high and again when tassels appear.

Common Pests

• Corn earworm: Apply mineral oil to silk tips after pollination
• Raccoons: Use electric fencing or harvest promptly
• Cutworms: Use collars around young plants

Harvesting Sweet Corn

Corn is ready about 20 days after silks appear. Check for readiness by:

• Silks turning brown and dry
• Ears feeling full and firm
• Piercing a kernel—milky juice means ready, clear means wait

Storage Tips

For best flavor, eat corn immediately after harvest. If storing, refrigerate unhusked ears and use within 1-2 days. For longer storage, blanch and freeze.