Cant grow corn to save my life.

[2LaneCruzer]

Corn needs to be planted in an amount that will allow for pollination; I don't know what the minimum is, but I used to plant an area about 20X30 and it did well. Also, check and select a variety that is suited for your area; an early maturing variety does well here, should be ready by July 4th to miss hot and dry weather. Also, planting at the right time is important.

 

[clemsonfor]

I just buy it when it's in season. It's only like $0.05-0.10 an ear when in peak season. Not worth trying to grow it and take up the space in my small garden for that cost.

 

[super55]

Corn is part of the fescue family which are huge nitrogen lovers. It's not uncommon to put 200 pounds of N per acre. So to get the number with 46-0-0 fertilizer you would need 8 50# bags. It really sounds like your crop is starving for N since that is the height were side dressing usually occurs and the plant becomes a very heavy N. user.

Soil has a huge factor on how well the plant utilizes it. Sandy soil it will leach right past the root system. If PH is off the nutrients in fertilizer will bond harder to the soil making uptake by the plant more difficult which will require additional fertilizer. As other said.. Soil test priority 1.

 

[stuckmotor]

My soil is very acidic. Had to add lime( limestone ). Bring it down to near neutral. First year our corn did EXACTLY like the OP. Next year we couldn't give it all away. We froze 65 quarts of kernel corn. Third year - more lime - planted less corn.

Somewhere, I read that you apply lime for "next year". It must be true.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Corn is part of the fescue family which are huge nitrogen lovers. It's not uncommon to put 200 pounds of N per acre. So to get the number with 46-0-0 fertilizer you would need 8 50# bags. It really sounds like your crop is starving for N since that is the height were side dressing usually occurs and the plant becomes a very heavy N. user.

Soil has a huge factor on how well the plant utilizes it. Sandy soil it will leach right past the root system. If PH is off the nutrients in fertilizer will bond harder to the soil making uptake by the plant more difficult which will require additional fertilizer. As other said.. Soil test priority 1.

Yep...corn is a "gross feeder".

 

[Big Barn]

I was born on the farm and row cropped by entire life. IF I wanted to have a small vegetable garden , corn would be at the bottom of the list.

Other than fibre benefits corn has negligible nutritional value, spikes blood sugar levels and is most likely derived from genetically modified seed. (If that is a concern to you ).

 

[forgeblast]

I was able to grow a few ears of popcorn last year. We planted Dakota black and wow it looks awesome. Have not cooked it yet but we planted it with beans and squash (3 sisters).

 

[CADplans]

fertilize with 10-10-10 the day you plant,,,

THEN,,,
EVERY 2 weeks fertilize again,, EVERY 2 weeks, do not miss a feeding,,
The corn WILL grow,,

less fertilizer is needed if the pH is right,, but, until then,, EVERY 2 weeks fertilize again

 

[RalphVa]

Moved into a new house a few years ago. Tried to grow some corn like I always did, but no luck.

It only grows about 12 inches and turns yellow. I have tilled the clay soil real well and used fertilizer, but still nothing?

Wondering what you all do for successful corn crops?

Thanks
Dave

Yes, I cannot either, in these raised beds I made up here. Have had the soil tested twice: perfect in every way. Could grow corn like gangbusters in the creek overflow garden I had down below for about 8 years. Also grew okra so tall that I had to bend it over to cut pods from the top. Hardly get any okra at all in these raised "perfect soil" beds up here. Don't get any corn at all, just tiny stunted ears.

And I'm a master gardener.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

fertilize with 10-10-10 the day you plant,,,

THEN,,,
EVERY 2 weeks fertilize again,, EVERY 2 weeks, do not miss a feeding,,
The corn WILL grow,,

less fertilizer is needed if the pH is right,, but, until then,, EVERY 2 weeks fertilize again

That chemical fert will kill all your worms and sterilize the soil. Start with it, and you're stuck with it.

Ralph