planting sweet corn - Ask Extension
I have an old pasture that i want to till and plant corn for my extended family only. looking for step by step guidlines while using the least amount...
Knowledgebase
planting sweet corn #880113
Asked August 04, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
I have an old pasture that i want to till and plant corn for my extended family only. looking for step by step guidlines while using the least amount of chemicals
Geauga County Ohio
Expert Response
Thanks for contacting Ask Extension
I assume you are speaking of planting sweet corn for next spring. The shortest sweet corn seed is 60 days, but as the sun changes in the fall it would be more like 70. It is doubtful you will get a crop in this year.
1, To get your ground ready for next spring planting. I would first get a soil test. This can be done very reasonably at the County extension office. They will have a probe to borrow and they will give you specific instructions to obtain the test. A soil test is the only way you can determine the nutrients you will need and if you are wanting to alter the PH it is always best to apply lime in the fall as it takes 2-3 months to benefit the soil.
2. Plow or till the pasture in the fall. I suggest you plant a cover crop to improve the fertility of the soil if you are wanting to " use the least amount of chemicals". There are many winter grasses and blends that are available at a local " feed" store.
3. Your soil test will be back in a few weeks and you will be able to see what needs added. It is possible if it is a field that has only had grasses and perhaps clover that you will not need to add additional chemicals. Again, the only way to know is with a soil test. A general guideline is to apply 6 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 linear row feet before planting and 3 to 5 pounds per 100 feet of row as a side dressing during the growing season.
4. In the spring till in the cover crop and you will be ready for planting.
5. Plant corn in an area that receives at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight. Plant corn in rows 3 feet apart with 8 to 12 inches between each seed in the row. It's beneficial to plant near a water source for needed irrigation. Corn is wind pollinated, so plant at least four or more short rows of sweet corn side-by-side instead of one long row to aid in good pollination and ear development.
6. Sweet corn requires regular watering throughout growth for best production. Soil should be maintained, especially during tasseling, silking, and ear formation
7. Weeding can be done with a tiller or by hand, but it does need to be completed for good production. It should be done shallow as the roots are very near the surface of the soil.
8. Remember, these are general guidelines and you should always consider local conditions and specific crop varieties. It's also important to monitor your garden for any signs of pests or diseases and adjust your management practices accordingly.
I have given you a few articles from extension sites that might give you more detail.
https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/gardening/wv-garden-guide/growing-sweet-corn-in-west-virginia
https://extension.psu.edu/sweet-corn-production
I assume you are speaking of planting sweet corn for next spring. The shortest sweet corn seed is 60 days, but as the sun changes in the fall it would be more like 70. It is doubtful you will get a crop in this year.
1, To get your ground ready for next spring planting. I would first get a soil test. This can be done very reasonably at the County extension office. They will have a probe to borrow and they will give you specific instructions to obtain the test. A soil test is the only way you can determine the nutrients you will need and if you are wanting to alter the PH it is always best to apply lime in the fall as it takes 2-3 months to benefit the soil.
2. Plow or till the pasture in the fall. I suggest you plant a cover crop to improve the fertility of the soil if you are wanting to " use the least amount of chemicals". There are many winter grasses and blends that are available at a local " feed" store.
3. Your soil test will be back in a few weeks and you will be able to see what needs added. It is possible if it is a field that has only had grasses and perhaps clover that you will not need to add additional chemicals. Again, the only way to know is with a soil test. A general guideline is to apply 6 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 linear row feet before planting and 3 to 5 pounds per 100 feet of row as a side dressing during the growing season.
4. In the spring till in the cover crop and you will be ready for planting.
5. Plant corn in an area that receives at least 8 to 10 hours of sunlight. Plant corn in rows 3 feet apart with 8 to 12 inches between each seed in the row. It's beneficial to plant near a water source for needed irrigation. Corn is wind pollinated, so plant at least four or more short rows of sweet corn side-by-side instead of one long row to aid in good pollination and ear development.
6. Sweet corn requires regular watering throughout growth for best production. Soil should be maintained, especially during tasseling, silking, and ear formation
7. Weeding can be done with a tiller or by hand, but it does need to be completed for good production. It should be done shallow as the roots are very near the surface of the soil.
8. Remember, these are general guidelines and you should always consider local conditions and specific crop varieties. It's also important to monitor your garden for any signs of pests or diseases and adjust your management practices accordingly.
I have given you a few articles from extension sites that might give you more detail.
https://extension.wvu.edu/lawn-gardening-pests/gardening/wv-garden-guide/growing-sweet-corn-in-west-virginia
https://extension.psu.edu/sweet-corn-production
