Garden corn picked at peak is a different food than the store version. Plant in blocks for pollination and time the harvest tightly.
When to plant sweet corn where you live
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Full sun
Zones 3–11
8–12 in apart in blocks of at least 4 rows, rows 24–36 in apart. Block planting ensures wind pollination.
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.
About 1–2 in/week, critical during tasseling and ear fill. Water stress at silking causes gappy, poorly filled ears.
May – Jun
Aug – Sep
Direct-sow 1–2 in deep once soil passes 60°F; corn resents transplanting. Stagger plantings two weeks apart for a longer harvest.
Good with Bean, Squash, Cucumber, Pea, Pumpkin. Keep apart from Tomato, Fennel.
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