Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

View the Sweet corn page

04 Feb 21 Helen Tapper (New Zealand - temperate climate)
This is my 2nd season of growing corn, last season was very successful, this year - not so. I have planted them almost exactly in the same spot as last season. Was that the right thing to do or wrong. The other point is that we have had some pretty crazy summer temperatures, high 20's then low to mid teens. I fertilised the garden during the winter/early spring.
05 Feb 21 (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Better to plant in different spot. Corn is a big user of fertiliser and water. When preparing the soil add compost/manures if possible, Soils always need some fibre replacement each year. Then mark out your rows about 50-60cm apart, Scratch a furrow in the soil and run some fertiliser in the furrow - I use Bunnings rooster booster. Have the soil wet before starting, after planting give another watering. Don't water again for 3-4 days. Too wet seeds will rot. When plants are 45cm high run some more fert down each side of the plants and hill the soil up around the stalk. Corn pollinates for 5 days and you pick it approx 21 days later. I just picked 28 cobs last week. S

Better to plant in different spot. Corn is a big user of fertiliser and water. When preparing the soil add compost/manures if possible, Soils always need some fibre replacement each year. Then mark out your rows about 50-60cm apart, Scratch a furrow in the soil and run some fertiliser in the furrow - I use Bunnings rooster booster. Have the soil wet before starting, after planting give another watering. Don't water again for 3-4 days. Too wet seeds will rot. When plants are 45cm high run some more fert down each side of the plants and hill the soil up around the stalk. Corn pollinates for 5 days and you pick it approx 21 days later. I just picked 28 cobs last week. S

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.