In this article, I’m going to show you how to harvest corn seeds step by step.
Let’s get started.
Information about corn plant
Corn farming is the cultivation of maize or corn from the seed stage to the marketing of the harvested maize or corn. Corn which is also known as maize is without mistake a profitable business for farmers who engage in this type of farming for commercial purposes.
It is also, quite easy to cultivate for those who intend to grow it in their garden for personal consumption. If you know the right process of cultivating corn, you will be glad at your harvest. Corn is an essential food. And it can be consumed in a variety of ways. Boiled or roasted, each has a unique taste.
The health benefits of corn are numerous:
Corn contains some antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and kill free radicals. Corn contains carbohydrates that provide energy for the body.
Corn contains fibre that improves the health of the digestive system. A large intake of fibre can increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine.
Read also: How To Harvest Basil Without Killing The Plant
Corn is made up of vitamins and minerals including manganese, phosphorus, fibre, magnesium, zinc and copper. These minerals and vitamins are useful to the human body.
Let’s take a look at some necessary factors to consider to have a good harvest of your corn seeds.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Pests and diseases can disrupt your corn farm and cause you to suffer huge losses. When growing corn, you should use all recommended pesticides and disease control techniques.
The most destructive of all corn pests is the armyworm. Try to use insecticides recommended for armyworms before the pests infect your corn.
Remember, in agriculture, prevention is better than cure. Nematicides, fungicides, rodenticides, insecticides and acaricides can be used to control pests.
Weeds can shelter pests and diseases. It is therefore advisable to weed your farm when necessary to avoid the transfer of your crops.
Related: How To Harvest Onions And Garlic
HOW TO HARVEST THE CORN SEEDS
Harvesting your corn seeds yourself does not only save you the trouble of worrying about using the best species of seeds for your next year planting, but it also saves you money.
To largest corn seeds, check the ears of corn while they are still on the stalk. Be sure to pay close attention to which ears look more healthy and select one or two of the best ears of corn.
Now, remember that the number of ears you save determines how much corn you intend to plant the next season. Therefore, you might want to reserve as many corn ears as you desire.
Harvest only the ear you want to eat and leave the rest to dry out, that is, those you have selected to save as seed. Leave them on the stem for about 4 to 6 weeks after which you harvest them only when you notice that the ears have turned brown.
Harvesting the dried corn seeds will not be difficult because the ear is now very dried, so, to harvest, simply take hold of the corn and twist until it pulls off the stalk.
Related: How To Harvest Sweet Potatoes Step By Step Guide
IN CONCLUSION
If the corn ears are completely dried, corn seeds can last for up to five years. Also, avoid storing the corn seed in plastic as insects, rodents and so on can easily have access to them and chee on them.
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