Healthy stand of sweet corn
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by Craig Smith
Just as area farmers are preparing to plant this year’s corn crop, area gardeners are also gearing up to plant their vegetable and flower crops. One vegetable that will find its way into many of our gardens this year is sweet corn. A productive sweet corn crop is dependent upon many factors throughout the season, but some of the most important factors can be addressed at planting.
Sweet corn requires warm soil for germination (above 55°F for standard sweet corn varieties and about 65°F for supersweet varieties). Soil temperature information can be found at http://agebb.missouri.edu/weather/stations/index.htm. Early plantings of standard sweet corn should be made at, or just before, the mean frost-free date (April 8 for NW Missouri) unless you use special soil-warming protection such as clear polyethylene mulch film.
Sweet corn rows are usually spaced 36 to 38 inches apart. Planting two or more short rows side-by-side is better than planting one long row for pollination and ear development. Spacing within the row should be 8 to 12 inches, depending on vigor and size of variety. The seeds should be planted approximately one inch deep.
As with most any crop, medium textured (loam) soils of good depth and drainage are best for sweet corn. Avoid planting in sandy or heavy clay soils.
A soil test is essential for determining the fertilizer needs. Most agronomists agree that the pH level of your soil is the single most important statistic to know. Soil pH greatly influences plant nutrient availability. The optimum pH for most plants, including sweet corn, is between 6.0 and 7.0.
If the soil test or previous crop experience indicates good soil fertility, it may only be necessary to provide for the current season’s fertilizer needs. In that case, apply 30 pounds of nitrogen, 60 pounds of P2O5, and 60 pounds of K2O in a split application.
Following these planting guidelines should result in a good, healthy stand. But, as any experienced gardener (or farmer) knows, the work does not end here. Throughout the growing season, you must consider irrigation, more fertilizer, weeds and cultivation, insects, diseases, animal problems, and harvesting and handling. For more information on sweet corn or other plants, contact your Daviess County Extension office.