Timing is everything with sweet corn. The kernels begin to lose sweetness and flavor the instant the ear is picked, so the great advantage of growing your own is so you can wait until the last minute. The traditional rule was to get the pot of water boiling to cook the corn and then go out and pick it. Sweet corn is ready to eat when you can feel full, rounded kernels beneath the husk; the silk at the top of the ear is drying out; and a squished kernel produces a milky sap.
Growing Information
Planting:
Corn is picky about its soil. Work in aged manure or compost the fall before planting and let over winter in the soil.
Starting seeds indoors is not recommended.
Plant seeds outdoors two weeks after the last spring frost date.
Make sure soil temperature is above 60 degrees for successful germination. (Up to 65 for super sweet varieties.) In colder zones, the ground can be warmed by a black plastic cover if necessary. Plant seeds through holes.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 9 to 12 inches apart.
Leave about 3 feet between rows.
For sufficient pollination, plan your plot right. Dont plant two long rows, rather, plant corn blocks of at least four rows.
You may choose to fertilize at planting time, corn is meant to grow rapidly. If you are confident that the soil is adequate, this can be skipped.
Water well at planting time.
Care:
Be careful not to damage the roots when weeding.
Soil must be well drained and able to keep consistent moisture.
In dry conditions, be sure to keep corn well watered due to its shallow roots. Water at a rate of 5 gallons per sq yard. Mulch helps reduce evaporation.
When the plants are 4 to 5 inches tall, thin them to stand 16 to 23 inches apart.
Special Notes
If too much hot pepper or spice has been added to a soup or stew, adding a can of sweet corn can help.

Timing is everything with sweet corn. The kernels begin to lose sweetness and flavor the instant the ear is picked, so the great advantage of growing your own is so you can wait until the last minute. The traditional rule was to get the pot of water boiling to cook the corn and then go out and pick it. Sweet corn is ready to eat when you can feel full, rounded kernels beneath the husk; the silk at the top of the ear is drying out; and a squished kernel produces a milky sap.
Growing Information
Planting:
Corn is picky about its soil. Work in aged manure or compost the fall before planting and let over winter in the soil.
Starting seeds indoors is not recommended.
Plant seeds outdoors two weeks after the last spring frost date.
Make sure soil temperature is above 60 degrees for successful germination. (Up to 65 for super sweet varieties.) In colder zones, the ground can be warmed by a black plastic cover if necessary. Plant seeds through holes.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 9 to 12 inches apart.
Leave about 3 feet between rows.
For sufficient pollination, plan your plot right. Dont plant two long rows, rather, plant corn blocks of at least four rows.
You may choose to fertilize at planting time, corn is meant to grow rapidly. If you are confident that the soil is adequate, this can be skipped.
Water well at planting time.
Care:
Be careful not to damage the roots when weeding.
Soil must be well drained and able to keep consistent moisture.
In dry conditions, be sure to keep corn well watered due to its shallow roots. Water at a rate of 5 gallons per sq yard. Mulch helps reduce evaporation.
When the plants are 4 to 5 inches tall, thin them to stand 16 to 23 inches apart.
Special Notes
If too much hot pepper or spice has been added to a soup or stew, adding a can of sweet corn can help.