Growing corn is such a joy! Theres just something so special about harvesting lovely bright yellow corn cobs from your own garden. I always try to start the seeds in late spring so that I have a few plants ready when the soil gets warmer. This process starts in mid-May where I live, but this depends on how warm it is where you grow of course.
There are a few things you need to know if you want to grow your corn from seed. Its easier to just buy the plants of course.
Knowing when to transplant corn seedlings is crucial for getting a good harvest While corn can be directly sowed into the garden, transplanting seedlings has advantages like earlier maturity, more uniform growth, and higher yields Follow this guide to understand the best timing and techniques for transplanting corn.
Why Transplant Corn Seedlings?
Transplanting corn seedlings allows you to get a headstart on the growing season, The seedlings can be started indoors weeks before the last frost date, This gives them time to establish roots and grow stronger before being moved outside More mature transplants are better able to withstand harsh weather and pests
Additionally, transplanted corn often matures earlier than direct sown corn. In northern climates, this can mean harvesting corn weeks sooner. The growing conditions are also more consistent when starting indoors, leading to more uniform germination and growth.
Finally, transplanting makes it easier to space corn properly. Corn that is too crowded won’t pollinate well, resulting in poor yields. With transplants, the spacing can be perfectly controlled. This optimal spacing leads to higher yields.
When to Start Seeds Indoors
Corn seedlings grow quickly, so seeds should be started indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds 1 inch deep in seed starting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light.
After germination, thin seedlings to the strongest plant every 3 inches. Good air circulation is key to prevent damping off disease. When seedlings have 3-4 leaves, it’s time to prepare for transplanting.
Hardening Off Corn Seedlings
Before transplanting outdoors, corn seedlings need to be hardened off. This toughens the plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
To harden off, set seedlings outdoors in partial shade for a few hours. Bring them back inside at night. Continue increasing their time outside over 7-10 days. Protect from hard rains or wind which can damage tender plants.
Hardened off transplants won’t experience transplant shock. Their growth and maturity won’t be setback once moved to the garden.
When to Transplant Outdoors
Corn should be transplanted 1-2 weeks after the last expected frost. The soil needs to have thoroughly warmed to at least 60°F for corn to thrive. Transplanting too early risks cold damage, stunted growth, and delayed maturity.
Pay attention to long range forecasts when deciding on transplant dates. Even if frost has passed, an unusual cold snap can occur. Be prepared to protect young plants with coverings if needed.
In northern climates, transplanting typically occurs in late May or early June. In southern zones, early March transplanting may work. Adjust timing based on your local climate and weather patterns.
How to Transplant Corn
Transplant corn on a calm, cloudy day to reduce stress. First, prepare the garden bed by loosening soil and mixing in compost. Space rows 30 inches apart.
Dig holes 6 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows. Gently remove seedlings from containers, disturbing roots as little as possible. Place in holes at same level as in containers, then fill holes with soil. Water transplants well.
For the first week, provide corn with 1-2 inches of water per week. Side dress with compost or fertilizer when plants are 12 inches tall. Control weeds and pests as needed through the growing season.
Caring for Transplants
Proper care is needed after transplanting for corn to become established. Water seedlings daily for the first week, then 2-3 times a week after that. Make sure soil stays evenly moist, not soggy. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
Corn needs full sun, so choose a site with at least 8 hours of direct light daily. Stake plants if windy. Protect from late season frosts using garden fabric. Side dress with nitrogen fertilizer when 12 inches tall.
Monitor for pests like earworms, armyworms, or corn borers. Handpick pests or use organic methods like Bacillus thuringiensis. Keep weeds controlled to reduce competition.
Troubleshooting Transplant Issues
Transplant shock may cause temporary wilting or yellow leaves. This usually resolves in few days. Prevent shock by hardening off and handling seedlings carefully.
Slow growth after transplanting can be due to cold soil, overcrowding, or inadequate water and nutrients. Space plants properly and enrich soil with compost. Warm soil with plastic mulch if needed.
Pale plants may indicate nutrient deficiency. Do a soil test and amend soil as needed. Stunted plants can result from pests, diseases, or sandy, compacted soil. Improve drainage and control pests.
Carefully following best practices when transplanting corn leads to healthy, vigorous plants. Proper timing, preparation, and care after transplanting are key to getting a bountiful corn harvest.
Summary of When to Transplant Corn
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting outdoors
- Harden off seedlings 7-10 days before transplanting
- Transplant 1-2 weeks after last frost when soil is minimum 60°F
- Space rows 30 inches apart, plants 12 inches apart in rows
- Care for transplants by watering regularly and providing full sun
- Monitor for pests and diseases throughout the growing season
Three questions about growing corn
Most likely, something is wrong with either the temperature or how damp/dry the soil is. Try to do the sowing again and put your batch in a warmer/cooler spot, and experiment with the watering too. The seeds germinate underneath the soil after all. So, a lot can be going on without our knowledge.
You can, but I dont recommend it. If different varieties cross-pollinate, then you might not get the results you want at all. Thats why I would stick to one variety at a time. The pollen can travel very far, so putting the varieties in different parts of the garden doesnt help.
Corn actually takes quite a long time to develop and ripen. You can always look for varieties that dont take as long (some might take a few weeks less than others), and of course start your seeds indoors before putting your plants in warm soil outdoors. Remember to choose a warm and sheltered spot of course. Corn likes warm summers, nutrient-rich soil and a steady supply of water.
Some of you might wonder if its possible to direct-sow kernels in the soil outside. The answer is yes, you can. But it all depends on where you live of course. I live in zone 3 and the season is short, often with unpredictable weather too. So, adapt to your circumstances and try to give your corn what it needs. This is generally easier if you start your seeds indoors, in my opinion.
Growing corn – My tips
I grow corn each year, and I follow the same routine every time. You can use this method too if you want, and just adapt it to your particular circumstances. Corn takes long to develop and is generally sensitive to cold soil. Thats why I always start my seeds indoors. Then Im sure to have nice plants I can put outside later in summer.
- sow your corn kernels in a plug tray or in empty toilet paper rolls, use one seed for each roll/cell
- use regular soil, and not a seed-starting mix
- do the sowing around 14 days before planting
- put the sowing on a heat mat or in a warm greenhouse
- make sure that the soil doesnt get too damp
Some sources say that you can start the seeds up to six weeks before planting. But just remember that when corn starts growing, it happens very fast. The plants are usually ready for transplanting in less than two weeks. If you wait longer than that, you get lots of extra work to do and you also take a bit of a risk. The plants tend to get quite sensitive after a while. Especially if we cant give them a perfect environment to grow in. After the corn is planted, it generally does a good job taking care of itself.
Transplanting Corn for the 2022 Foodshelf Project
FAQ
How tall should corn be before transplanting?
Plants are 6 to 10 inches tall when transplanted. Seedlings are spaced 18 inches apart within and between rows (2 rows per bed) with a water-wheel transplanter (like you might use for peppers or tomatoes). Be careful not to bury the top of the root plug and the corn growing point with soil when transplanting.
Is corn sensitive to transplanting?
However, some species, including corn, are regarded as difficult to transplant because of a lower rate of root regeneration after transplanting (Aguyoh et al., 1999).
What not to plant next to corn?
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Cruciferous Vegetables:Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and brussels sprouts are heavy feeders and compete with corn for nutrients, and corn can also cast too much shade on these sun-loving plants.
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Tomatoes and Eggplants:These plants share vulnerabilities to similar pests and diseases as corn, and the tall stalks of corn can overshadow tomato plants.
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Fennel:Fennel is allelopathic, meaning it can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including corn.
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Pole beansPole beans can pull corn stalks over if they grow too vigorously.
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Other heavy feedersCorn is a heavy feeder, so avoid planting it with other heavy feeders like eggplants, melons, or any type of squash.
What month should you plant corn in?
Corn Is Usually Safe from Frost in Late April
Corn plants are vulnerable to colder temperatures, so farmers take great care to wait to plant until after the danger of frost has passed. That’s because frost can stunt the growth of the seedlings or even kill the corn plants before they’re strong enough.