Corn
Corn takes well to heat, and warm days and nights along with plenty of
water will produce rapid growth. Most varieties need three months of warm,
sunny weather.
-Planting: Sew seeds only when soil is completely warm. Dig a furrow 3
inches deep, sprinkle a band of fertilizer along the bottom and cover with
a thin layer of soil. Plant the seeds 1 inch below original soil level.
Seeds should be spaced 8 inches apart in rows 25-40 inches apart. If
planting in hills, sew 5 seeds to a hill, with hills spaced about 4 feet
apart.
-Growing: Thin the seedlings after they have emerged to about 16 inches
apart, and keep them well watered, with an occasional dressing of manure
or compost to boost growth. When the stalk reaches 8 inches in height
begin supplying the plant with compost every 2 weeks.
Armyworms and corn earworms are a common problem. If they heavily
infect a plant, remove it entirely to reduce risk to other plants.
-Harvesting: Pick the ears when the silks have dried out slightly, and the
kernels at the tips are plump. Cook corn as soon as possible after
picking, or refrigerate in husks until they can be cooked.
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