Corn takes 8 to 21 days to germinate and two to three months to mature enough for harvesting.
Growing corn in grow bags can be a bit challenging, as corn plants typically have deep roots and can grow quite tall. However, it is possible to grow smaller varieties of corn in grow bags if you choose the right type and size of bags and provide the necessary care and support. Here are the steps to grow corn in grow bags:
Select the right corn variety: Choose a dwarf or mini corn variety that is better suited for container gardening. Look for varieties that have a shorter height and smaller root system.
Choose the right grow bags: Select large grow bags that are at least 5-10 gallons in size and provide good drainage. Corn plants need space to grow and aeration for their roots.
Soil and potting mix: Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. You can add some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
Sow the seeds: Plant corn seeds directly in the grow bags, following the recommended spacing for the chosen corn variety. Make sure to plant them at the appropriate depth, typically around 1-1.5 inches deep.
Watering: Corn plants need consistent moisture, so water them regularly. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Self-watering grow bags can be helpful in maintaining proper moisture levels.
Fertilization: Corn is a heavy feeder, so you'll need to provide it with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or apply liquid fertilizer as recommended on the product label. Regularly feeding your corn plants is essential for their growth and development.
Support: Corn plants can become top-heavy, especially when they start producing ears of corn. Provide support for the plants by using stakes or trellises to prevent them from falling over.
Sunlight: Corn plants require full sun, so place the grow bags in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pollination: Corn is wind-pollinated, so make sure there is enough air circulation around your container garden. You can help with pollination by gently shaking the plants or using a paintbrush to transfer pollen from the tassels (male flowers) to the silks (female flowers).
Harvesting: Harvest the corn when the kernels are plump and milky. This typically occurs about 20-25 days after the appearance of silks. Simply twist the ears to harvest them from the plant.
Growing corn in grow bags may not yield as much as traditional garden beds, but it can be a fun and space-saving way to enjoy fresh corn if you have limited space. Just remember that container-grown corn may have slightly different growing requirements and may not reach the same height or produce as many ears as field-grown corn.
Companion Plants:
Beans (pole beans or bush beans): Beans are excellent companions for corn. They help improve corn's growth by fixing nitrogen in the soil, which is a crucial nutrient for corn. The corn provides a natural trellis for the bean vines to climb, and the beans' growth pattern can help shade the soil, reducing weed competition.
Squash (zucchini, pumpkin, or butternut squash): Squash plants can help create a living mulch and shade the soil around corn, which helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. They also deter some common corn pests like the squash vine borer.
Cucumbers: Cucumbers are vining plants that can grow up the corn stalks, making efficient use of vertical space. They can also provide shade and help reduce soil evaporation.
Sunflowers: Tall sunflowers can serve as a natural trellis for climbing beans or vining crops like cucumbers and can also help provide shade and windbreak for the corn.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums can deter aphids, whiteflies, and other common pests that may affect corn. Planting them near your corn can help protect your crop.
Marigolds: Marigolds are known to repel nematodes and some insect pests. Interplanting marigolds with corn can help protect your crop from these potential threats.
Radishes: Planting radishes with corn can help deter corn borers, as the radish roots release compounds that are unattractive to these pests.
Catnip: Catnip can help deter aphids and other insect pests that may be harmful to corn. Planting it nearby can provide some protection.
Borage: Borage attracts beneficial insects like bees and pollinators, which can improve corn pollination and yield.
Dill and coriander (cilantro): These herbs can attract beneficial insects, including pollinators and predatory insects that help control pests.
Corn does not grow well with tomatoes, eggplants, cabbage and fennel.
How do I fertilize my corn:
Pre-Planting Fertilization: Before planting your corn seeds or seedlings, mix in a slow-release, balanced fertilizer into the soil mix. The specific type and amount of fertilizer may vary depending on the brand and product, so follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application rates. You can also use a granular or pelleted fertilizer.
Plant Corn: Sow corn seeds or transplant seedlings into the grow bag according to the recommended spacing for the specific corn variety you're growing. Water thoroughly after planting.
Side-Dressing Fertilization: Corn is a heavy feeder, and it will need additional nutrients as it grows. Side-dress the corn by applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as a balanced granular fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content (e.g., 24-0-0), when the corn plants are about 6-12 inches tall.
Apply Fertilizer Carefully: Scatter the side-dressing fertilizer around the base of the corn plants, keeping it a few inches away from the stems. Avoid direct contact with the plant to prevent fertilizer burn. Water the grow bag immediately after applying the side-dressing fertilizer to help it dissolve and move into the soil.
Monitor Plant Health: Throughout the growing season, observe the condition of your corn plants. If you notice any signs of nutrient deficiencies (e.g., yellowing leaves for nitrogen deficiency), consider additional side-dressing or foliar feeding as needed.
Watering: Keep the soil in the grow bag consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Container gardens may require more frequent watering than traditional gardens due to faster moisture evaporation. Watering can help nutrients dissolve and be available to the plants.
Mulch: Adding a layer of organic mulch on top of the soil in the grow bag can help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. It also provides some insulation for the roots.
Environmental Considerations: Be mindful of environmental factors, such as the potential for nutrient runoff from your grow bag. Use appropriate nutrient application rates to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the environment.
What bugs attack cilantro and what gets rid of them?
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Small caterpillars that infest the ears of corn, causing damage by feeding on kernels.
Control:
Use pheromone traps to monitor and trap adult moths.
Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) products specifically formulated for corn.
Remove and destroy damaged ears.
Plant early-maturing corn to avoid peak infestation times.
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Larvae feed on corn roots, causing reduced plant vigor and yield.
Control:
Crop rotation: Rotate with non-corn crops like soybeans or wheat to break the pest's life cycle.
Use Bt corn varieties or insecticides if necessary.
Trap crops like sunflowers can attract adult rootworm beetles, reducing pressure on corn.
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Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap from corn plants.
Control:
Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Use a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids from the plants.
Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural remedy.
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Shiny, metallic-green beetles that feed on corn leaves, causing skeletonized damage.
Control:
Handpick and destroy beetles or use traps.
Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used to deter feeding.
Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to control the larvae.
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Caterpillars that cut corn seedlings at or just below the soil surface.
Control:
Place cardboard collars or barriers around young corn plants.
Use biological controls like parasitic wasps.
Apply insecticides as a last resort if cutworm damage is significant.
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Tiny arachnids that suck plant juices, leading to stippling on corn leaves.
Control:
Promote natural predators like predatory mites.
Hose down the plants to reduce mite populations.
Apply miticides if mite populations are too high.
What soil pH is best for Corn?
Corn typically thrives in soil with a pH level between 5.8 and 6.8. This pH range is considered slightly acidic to near-neutral. However, corn is known for its adaptability to a broader pH range, and it can grow in soils with a pH anywhere from 5.5 to 7.0. In many cases, the ideal pH for corn is around 6.0 to 6.5.
How do you store Corn:
Harvest at the Right Time:
Corn is best when harvested at its peak ripeness. Look for ears that have fully filled out and plump kernels. The kernels should be milky when punctured.
Harvest with Care:
When harvesting corn, snap the ears from the stalk rather than pulling them. This helps avoid damaging the plant.
Remove Husks and Silks:
Husk the corn as soon as possible after harvesting, removing all the outer leaves and silks. Make sure to remove any damaged or blemished kernels.
Chill Quickly:
Corn starts to lose its sweetness as soon as it's picked. To preserve the flavor, it's essential to cool the corn quickly. Place the freshly harvested ears in the refrigerator or an ice chest with ice packs. Keep the corn cool until you're ready to use it.
Use or Preserve Promptly:
Corn is at its best when it's fresh. Try to use or preserve it within a few days of harvesting for the best flavor and texture.
Store in the Refrigerator:
If you need to store corn for a short period, keep it in the refrigerator. Place the ears in a plastic bag and store them in the crisper drawer. Fresh corn will stay good for about 3-5 days when refrigerated.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage:
If you have more corn than you can use in a few days, freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage. Here's how to freeze corn: a. Blanching: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the corn ears for 4-5 minutes. After blanching, immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. b. Cut the Kernels: After blanching and cooling, remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. c. Pack in Containers: Pack the kernels in airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. d. Label and Date: Don't forget to label the containers with the date, so you know when the corn was frozen. e. Store in the Freezer: Place the containers in the freezer, where the corn can be stored for up to 8-12 months.
Canning:
Another preservation method is canning corn. Follow USDA guidelines for safely canning corn, including using a pressure canner for low-acid foods. Canned corn can be stored for an extended period in a cool, dark place.
Corn Storage Bags:
There are specialized corn storage bags available that help extend the freshness of corn by allowing some air circulation while keeping the corn moist. You can store husked ears in these bags in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Interesting facts:
Corn, also known as maize, is a remarkable crop with a rich history and many interesting facts.
Ancient Crop: Corn is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. It was domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica, and its cultivation spread across the Americas.
Versatile Crop: Corn is incredibly versatile and used in various forms, including as a vegetable, grain, and sweetener. It's a staple in many cuisines and processed into numerous products.
High Yields: Corn is one of the highest-yielding cereal crops, producing more grain per acre than wheat or rice.
Native to the Americas: Corn is native to the Americas and was unknown in the Old World until Columbus and other explorers brought it back to Europe during the Age of Exploration.
Cultural Significance: Corn has deep cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous cultures, including Native American tribes. It plays a role in their creation stories and traditional ceremonies.
Three Sisters: In many Native American agricultural systems, corn is grown alongside beans and squash in a practice known as the "Three Sisters." These three crops support each other by providing nutrients, physical support, and pest control.
Colors and Varieties: Corn comes in a wide range of colors and varieties, including yellow, white, blue, red, and even black kernels. Each variety may have unique flavors and culinary uses.
Popcorn Phenomenon: Popcorn is a type of corn that pops when heated. It's believed to be one of the earliest forms of corn and has been enjoyed for thousands of years.
Corn Labyrinths: Corn mazes, also known as corn labyrinths, are a popular form of agricultural entertainment. Farmers create intricate maze designs in their cornfields for visitors to navigate.
Biofuel Production: Corn is a significant source of ethanol, which is used as a biofuel. Corn ethanol is a renewable energy source and plays a role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Corn in Everyday Products: Corn is a common ingredient in a wide range of everyday products, including cereals, tortillas, corn syrup, starch, and various industrial products like paper and cosmetics.
Genetic Diversity: The genetic diversity of corn is astounding, with thousands of unique varieties, including heirloom and landrace varieties, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Giant Cornstalks: Some corn varieties, particularly those grown for competitive purposes, can reach extraordinary heights, sometimes exceeding 20 feet (6 meters) in height.
Corn Silk: The silky threads that extend from the top of an ear of corn are called "corn silk." They are the female flower parts and are sometimes used in traditional herbal remedies.
World's Most Important Cereal: Corn is often referred to as the world's most important cereal, given its widespread cultivation and many uses in global agriculture and food production.
Medicinal uses for Corn:
Corn Silk (Stigmata Maydis):
Diuretic: Corn silk is well-known for its diuretic properties, which can help increase urine production and potentially aid in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and edema.
Anti-Inflammatory: It is used traditionally to alleviate inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract.
2. Corn Oil:
Cholesterol Control: Corn oil, particularly when used as a cooking oil, is high in polyunsaturated fats and can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated fats.
Skin Care: It can be used topically to soothe dry or irritated skin and is a common ingredient in cosmetic and skincare products.
3. Cornstarch:
Skin Irritations: Cornstarch is used topically to relieve skin irritations, including diaper rash in babies and chafing in adults.
Sunburn Relief: It can be applied as a paste to sunburned skin to soothe discomfort and reduce redness.
4. Cornmeal:
Exfoliating Scrub: Cornmeal is sometimes used as a gentle exfoliating scrub for the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.