Sweet Corn

Sweet corn needs fertile, well-drained soil around pH 6.0-6.8 and generous nitrogen compared with most garden crops. Plant in a block for wind pollination, side-dress with nitrogen when plants are knee-high, and never let them dry out during tasseling and silking.

Sun

Full sun

Water

1–2 in/week

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

65–90 days

Tips

• Sow 1-2 inches deep once soil meets the seed packet temperature requirement, generally 60°F or warmer.
• Thin to 8-12 inches apart in a block at least four short rows wide.
• Provide 1-2 inches of water weekly, especially as silks emerge and ears fill.
• Check ears for earworm damage and separate incompatible sweet corn types by the packet's isolation guidance.
• Harvest when silks brown and a punctured kernel releases milky juice, then chill ears promptly.

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