How To Grow Corn In A Small Garden

Growing corn in a small garden is a surprisingly simple process that can be done with surprisingly little space and surprisingly few materials. With a little planning and patience, you can transform a small garden plot into an abundant corn crop. Below, we'll look at how to plan and maintain a small corn garden for success.

Choosing the Right Corn Varieties

Choosing the right corn variety for your small garden plot is the first step. Choose a variety that will mature well in your climate and conditions. Look for short-season varieties that can ripen before the cold weather sets in. Many sweet corn varieties are great for small gardens, as they don't require as much space as open-pollinated types.

Planning the Garden Layout

Once you've chosen the right variety, it's time to plan your garden layout. Maximum yields cannot be achieved in a small garden plot without supplementing the natural sunlight with artificial lighting. An LED grow light in the correct color spectrum can help maximize yields. Additionally, plan out your rows of corn tightly, with rows spaced 18 to 20 inches apart and individual plants spaced 6 to 8 inches apart.

Fertilizing and Supplements

Corn is a heavy feeder and needs to be fertilized regularly. A well-balanced fertilizer should be used, as an imbalance of nutrients can result in poor yields. For even greater success, add organic compost to the soil before planting to maximize the potential growth of the corn. If your soil is nutrient-deficient, there are also supplements available to help give your plants an extra boost.

Weeding and Maintenance

The more weeds that are allowed to take hold in a small garden plot, the less available room and nutrition there is for the corn. Regularly monitor and tend to your garden plot throughout the season and pull any weeds as soon as they are spotted.

Pest Prevention

Pests can be a problem in any garden, and corn is no different. Regularly monitor your crop for signs of infestation. There are a number of organic and chemical methods to prevent and treat pests if they become a problem.

Harvesting and Storage

When the time comes to harvest, be prepared to do so right away. Corn stored for too long can dry out and lose its flavor. Pick the ears of corn and remove them from the garden as soon as they're ready.

In Summary

Growing corn in a small garden is surprisingly simple and can yield a great return with a little planning and maintenance. Choose a shorter season variety, supplement the sunlight with artificial lighting, fertilize and supplement soil adequately, weed regularly, and monitor for pests. When it comes time to harvest, ensure that you are ready to pick and store right away. With these tips, you can easily have an abundant corn crop from a small garden plot.