How to Plant Sweet Corn

Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn, and the absolute best flavor comes from corn you just picked in your own garden. Although each corn stalk only produces one or two ears on average, the flavor is such a treat that it's worth the effort it takes to grow. Make the season last longer with successive plantings every two weeks and you can have fresh sweet corn until the end of the summer season.

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Compost

Plan your corn plot in a space that gets full sun for at least 8 hours each day. Avoid spots under trees or near large buildings that may cast shadows in early morning or late afternoon.

Dig the soil about 3 weeks after the last frost. Check the temperature of the soil by pushing the stem of a thermometer into the dirt. The soil should be at least 60 degrees F for corn to germinate. Wait until the soil warms to at least that temperature before attempting to plant the corn.

Set up the corn plot in a square or rectangular shape. Corn pollinates by wind blowing over the tops of the corn plants, which picks up pollen and deposits it onto the tassels on the ears. Each ear must be close enough to the rest so that the wind can carry the pollen. This works best when you plant the corn in blocks instead of traditional gardener's rows.

Dig the soil 12 inches deep and remove weeds and rocks that you find. Mix in a 3- to 4-inch layer of aged compost to condition the soil, and add compost.

Plant the corn seeds 4 inches apart, and place them 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep. Cover the seeds and pat the ground to make sure there is good contact with the soil. Water the ground thoroughly.

Plant a small block of 12 to 16 seeds, then do another block every 2 weeks throughout the season. You'll have fresh corn every week or two until fall.