Ears with missing or scattered kernels

Incomplete pollination, often from single-row planting. Plant in blocks, not rows; in small plots, hand-pollinate by shaking tassels over silks.

Caterpillar at the ear tip

Corn earworm feeding under the husk. Apply a few drops of mineral oil to silks after pollination, or trim the damaged tip at harvest.

Wind on shallow roots or too much top growth. Hill soil around the base and plant in sheltered blocks for mutual support.

Picked too late; sugars converted to starch. Harvest when silks brown and a punctured kernel runs milky, then cook or chill promptly.

Gardening

Garden corn picked at peak is a different food than the store version. Plant in blocks for pollination and time the harvest tightly.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Sun

Full sun

Hardiness zones

Zones 3–11

Spacing

8–12 in apart in blocks of at least 4 rows, rows 24–36 in apart. Block planting ensures wind pollination.

Soil

Deep, rich, well-draining soil with plenty of nitrogen; pH 6.0–6.8. A heavy feeder that wants compost and a side-dress as it grows.

Watering

About 1–2 in/week, critical during tasseling and ear fill. Water stress at silking causes gappy, poorly filled ears.

Plant / sow (typical)

May – Jun

Harvest (typical)

Aug – Sep

Starting

Direct-sow 1–2 in deep once soil passes 60°F; corn resents transplanting. Stagger plantings two weeks apart for a longer harvest.

Companions

Good with Bean, Squash, Cucumber, Pea, Pumpkin. Keep apart from Tomato, Fennel.

Ears with missing or scattered kernels. Incomplete pollination, often from single-row planting. Plant in blocks, not rows; in small plots, hand-pollinate by shaking tassels over silks.
Caterpillar at the ear tip. Corn earworm feeding under the husk. Apply a few drops of mineral oil to silks after pollination, or trim the damaged tip at harvest.
Stalks toppling over. Wind on shallow roots or too much top growth. Hill soil around the base and plant in sheltered blocks for mutual support.
Starchy, tough kernels. Picked too late; sugars converted to starch. Harvest when silks brown and a punctured kernel runs milky, then cook or chill promptly.