Planting Corn This Year? Ways To Keep It Healthy So You Can Enjoy Eating It
If you are planning to plant corn in your garden this year, you should take time to learn how you can keep it healthy. Planting the corn in the right hardiness zones, which is zone 4 through 8, can give you a good start. If you would like to stay away from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, you should consider organic farming. Below is some more information about this so you can have a good crop this year.
Add Fertilizer and Improve Soil
It is essential that you apply fertilizer and have the right soil conditions. If you do not want to purchase fertilizer at a garden center, you can use organic fertilizer, such as, such as compost, leaves, crop residues, and grass clippings. This feeds your corn as well as improves the soil condition. For example, if the soil in your garden is too sandy, the organic fertilizer will help it retain moisture as well as nutrients. If you have heavy, clay soil, organic fertilizer will loosen it up so it has better drainage. No matter what you choose, lay approximately two to three inches of the fertilizer in the garden.
You should always test the soil to ensure it has the proper pH. For corn, this is 5.88 to 6.2. You can purchase a soil test kit at a home garden center. If you have a large crop, send a soil sample to your local extension office to have it checked. Take several samples from different areas of the garden.
It works great to apply the fertilizer to the soil before you plant the corn so it can start out growing in healthy conditions. This also allows you to mix in the fertilizer much easier. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and again when the corn as about knee high.
Provide Enough Water
Your corn should get approximately one inch of water a week. To make this easier, you should consider a drip irrigation system so you won't have to worry about watering the corn when you have dry periods. A good drip irrigation system provides water for your corn at soil level so the water goes directly to the roots where it is needed the most.
If you have a large garden, you should consider hiring a landscaper to install a drip irrigation system for you. The landscaper can also suggest the type of drip irrigation system that would work best for your garden.
Following these two tips should allow you to have delicious corn on your table this year. For more information, contact local professionals like Nature Safe.