Corn

Corn When to plant • Sweet corn requires warm soil for germination (above 55°F for standard sweet corn varieties and about 65°F for supersweet varieties). • Early plantings of standard sweet corn should be made at, or just before, the mean frost-free date Corn plantation Spacing & depth • Plant the kernels (seeds) 1/2 inch deep in cool, moist soils and 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep in warm, dry soils. • Space the kernels 9 to 12 inches apart in the row. • Plant two or more rows of each variety side by side to ensure good pollination and ear development. Planting Care • Cultivate shallowly to control weeds. • Chemical herbicides are not recommended for home gardens. • Lack of water can seriously reduce quality. Harvesting • Each cornstalk should produce at least one large ear. Under good growing conditions (correct spacing; freedom from weeds, insects and disease; and adequate moisture and fertility), many varieties produce a second ear. This second ear is usually smaller and develops later than the first ear. Harvest Common problems • Corn earworms are a problem in sweet corn every year. • Corn rootworm beetles may cause extensive silk damage that interferes with pollination. • European corn borers damage stalks, tassels and ears. • Flea beetles often attack early in the spring as the corn plants emerge through the soil. Selection & storage • • • • • • The corn plant is native American in origin and Illinois is corn country. Storing sweet corn for long periods of time will destroy it. Usage • It can be steamed, grilled, roasted, and even microwaved (popcorn). • When boiling sweet corn, do not add salt to the boiling water as it only serves to toughen the kernels as does overcooking. • Flour is made from corn and used in many products such as bread and so on. Products