The date will vary depending on where you live. If you live in a southern area, you will be able to plant corn earlier than if you live in a more northern area. Wait until the soil is above 60 degrees F (15. 5 degrees C).

Breeder’s Choice is a very common sugar corn that has light yellow kernels that are sweet and creamy. It freezes well and grows in a variety of climates. How Sweet Is It is a variety that resists most diseases that affect sweet corn, though it is a late bloomer and grows best in warmer climates. Divinity is a white, tender sweet corn that has a high drought tolerance and also resists some diseases. Sugar and Gold as well as Butter and Sugar are both early-blooming varieties of corn that do well in cooler climates.

Find an area to grow the corn that is at least four feet by four feet (1. 2 by 1. 2 m) and is also in direct sunlight. Make sure that you consider the height of the corn compared with your other plants. The corn will cast shade on other plants depending on where you plant it.

Clear the entire area that you are using to grow the corn. Pull the weeds up from the roots so that the weeds won’t eventually grow back. Also remove any large stones or rocks and break up large clumps of soil.

The fertilizer will enhance the growth of the corn and give the soil an extra dose of nutrients.

When putting the seeds into the ground, use your thumb to make the 1 ½ inch (3. 8 cm) hole. Drop in the seed, then brush over some dirt to cover and protect the seed. If you want to plant more than four rows, just try to make sure that the plants end up being in a square or rectangular formation, with all the seeds being around 9-12 inches (22. 8- 30. 4 cm) apart. Different varieties of sweet corn mature at different rates. If you want a long harvest season, plant a few varieties of sweet corn. If you are planting different varieties of corn, make sure to plant the same varieties in at least two side-by-side rows so that they can pollinate effectively. If you can find some pre-started seedlings at your local garden store or nursery, then this is a great option as well.

Water it enough so that the soil is dark and moist, but not so much that the water starts to pool.

Avoid spraying the tops of the plants, as this can cause the pollen to wash away from the silk of the corn. After the corn silks form at the top of the plant, the corn will need one inch (2. 5 cm) of water every five days.

Corn often grows suckers, or offshoots, which can be easily mistaken for weeds if you do not see that they are attached to the corn plant. While some plants benefit from the removal of suckers, cutting suckers off of corn can actually harm the roots, so it’s best to leave them be. [9] X Research source

If you notice raccoons around your corn, consider installing an electric fence around the corn to fend them off. You can also try to plant especially tall varieties of corn so that raccoons cannot access the ears.

When corn is ripe, thick, milky liquid should spurt from the kernel. If the corn is not yet quite ripe, the liquid will be watery. The milk stage, or prime ripeness stage of corn, usually lasts for about a week. You may be able to tell from the husks and silks which corn should be tested. When ears are ready to be picked, the husks of the corn are usually tightly folded and green as opposed to yellowish, and the corn silk is dark brown as opposed to golden. [13] X Research source If you tested an ear of corn that isn’t ripe, make sure to fold the husk back so that it surrounds the cob again. This will stop pests from accessing the cob.

You can also freeze corn by carving off the kernels from the cob, placing them in airtight bags, and storing them in the freezer. You also may Can Corn by hermetically sealing the corn kernels in canning jars.

If you are growing multiple varieties of corn, keep in mind that they will mature at different rates. Keep tabs on all the varieties of corn you are growing so that you will be able to harvest them at the correct time.