How to Grow and Harvest Corn

It's no secret that Indiana is a great state for growing corn. This hardy crop gives a high yield for the space and can be easily stored, making it a great addition to any garden plot.

Preparing: Corn likes deep, well-drained, humus-enriched loam, so prepare your soil before planting. Till plenty of organic fertilizer into the soil (not just on top), since corn roots go deep. Depending on the variety, sweet corn needs about three months of hot sun and warm nights to mature, so plan to plant your corn after the danger of frost has passed.

Planting: It's best to sow sweet corn in wide blocks instead of long thin lines. Because corn is pollinated by wind, growing it in thin lines may mean that some plants get missed. Sow the seeds about a foot apart each way in blocks. If your plot of land doesn't allow for this, plant two rows close together that will form tassels at the same time, allowing for easier pollination.

While growing, make sure to water your sweet corn if the weather is dry. When your corn is a couple of feet tall, hill up the soil around each plant. Doing this gives them support while they mature and causes them to put out more roots higher up on the stalk. It also helps to protect them during windy summer storms. If the stems get broken, stand them upright and bank soil up around the stalk.

Harvesting: The ears are ready to pick as soon as the white, silky tassels turn brown. You may test for ripeness by opening the husk and pressing your fingernail into a grain. If it is firm but still milky, it is ready to harvest. Pick the corn by jerking the cobs sharply downward and breaking them off. Be careful not to damage the stalk, since you will more than likely get another harvest from each plant.

Preserving: I've found that freezing is the best way to preserve your corn harvest. It's an easy process, and the corn can be stored in your freezer well beyond the next growing season. First, shuck your corn and wash it, making sure the cob is free of silk. Cut the corn off the cob by placing the cob on end and running a sharp knife down the sides. When the kernels are off, run the knife down the bare cob again to catch any juice. Put the cut corn in a large pan and add water, being sure not to cover the corn completely. Bring the corn to a hard boil, stirring often. Hard boil for eight minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Line a 9x13 cake pan (or any pan with sides) with wax paper and pour the corn on it to cool. When completely cool, ladle the corn into high-quality freezer bags, label, and freeze.

When your corn is completely harvested, you may be able to plant a second crop. In Indiana, a second season of sweet corn may be planted anywhere from the first of June through July 20^th. You may wish to get a fast-growing variety the second time around, such as Bodacious sweet corn. Adding this second crop will help assure that you have plenty of corn to last until the next growing season. Eating corn from your garden right up until next spring will make your efforts well worth it!