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Do you love the idea of being a corn farmer but don’t have a large space to grow it? The best way is to try raised beds! With this adequate knowledge, you can make it a reality.
Corn is a stable crop in many parts of the country and can be a nutritious addition to any garden. Growing corn on a tiny scale is a good way to introduce yourself to the crop, if you haven’t planted it before.
Can You Grow Corn in Raised Beds?
Yes! Most people think that corn can only be grown in a vast field, but did you know that sweet corn can be grown in a raised bed?
Growing corn in raised beds isn’t substantially different from growing it in a regular garden, but it calls for extra attention concerning how the plants are spaced in the raised beds.
Raised beds have a few benefits: they help pollination; they can improve the plant’s health since they offer better drainage; and they improve weed and pest control.
It’s quite beneficial to gardeners too, since raised beds are often easier to access or re-create.
A Guide to Planting Corn Seeds
Soak your corn seeds overnight in warm water. It aids germination speed. Choose the right location where the raised bed (either mobile raised beds or multiple beds) will get direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours.
Prepare your native soil condition by incorporating several inches of aged compost or other high-quality organic matter.
Don’t plant too close, at least 10 to 15 inches apart in rows. The row space should be 36 to 42 inches.
Take extra caution in removing the weak seedling during the germination process so it won’t affect the strong seedling.
At least once a week, fertilize your plants. Corn is a heavy feeder, and it does best with nitrogen-rich fertilizer and well-rotted horse manure.
Corn grows quickly when it is deeply and consistently watered at the soil surface. It requires an inch of water every week for proper growth.
Watch for pests such as corn earworms, caterpillars, rootworms, and corn borer. Take the proper steps against them.
Generally, your corn is ready for harvest when the silk is dry, brownish in color, with a little fresh green at the base.
You can also squeeze the husk to see if the ear inside feels plump. Harvest your corn in the refrigerator if it’s not for immediate consumption.
When is the Best Time to Plant the Corn Seeds?
It depends on your climate condition, but definitely not when it’s cold or you are expecting a lot of rain. Corn and frost are sworn enemies.
What Should Raised Bed Spacing Be?
Plant the seed in such a pattern that the space between each plant is about 35 centimeters in any given direction.
How Do I Prevent the Plate from Bending and Breaking?
Set up stakes or a trellis to protect your plant from strong winds.
How Deep Should a Corn Raised Bed Be?
A raised bed for corn should be at least 12 inches deep to contain soil and maintain balance. This provides suitable space for the plant to grow and have yield.
Can I Plant Corn in a Garden Box?
Yes, you can plant corn in a garden box, raised bed, or even a large container that can provide the proper depth of soil for the plant.
Which Method Can Be Used When Planting Corn?
You can either plant in rows, square feet, or a triangular pattern.
How Do I Get Rid of Pests?
You can keep animals from eating your plants by erecting a fence around it and spraying insecticides against worms, caterpillars, and corn borer. You can also use a lunch bag at the tip to keep birds away.
How Much Corn can One Plant Produce?
A corn plant can produce 1–2 ears of corn, so make sure you plant enough corn seeds for consumption.
Conclusion
The end result you get from following the guide given above will be tremendous. Raised beds help cut the cost of buying a large piece of land and help you utilize the little space you have for maximum production.
The information in this comprehensive article will undoubtedly assist you in achieving your goal.
Reference
- Production potential of baby corn (Zea mays) on raised bed in waterlogged lowland rice fallow in North East India
- Growing Sweet Corn [fact sheet], retrieved from here
