How to Grow Sweet Midget Corn

Gardeners who are short on space don't have to go without summer corn. Sweet midget corn is a space-saving variety that can be grown in containers or in rows. Midget corn ears range from 4 to 6 inches in length when mature. Midget corn also comes in multicolored varieties for those who want Indian corn for decoration.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Potting soil (optional)
• Container (optional)
• Midget corn seeds
• Mulch
• Balanced fertilizer

Instructions

1. Turn the soil with a shovel to aerate it. Remove rocks, twigs or debris. Make rows for the corn to ensure proper pollination. Gardener's Network suggests planting four rows of corn that are 4 feet long. Fill pots with potting soil if you're growing midget corn in containers.

2. Poke 1-inch deep holes in the ground every 4 inches. Place one corn seed in each hole. Cover the holes with soil. For container corn, plant the corn at a depth of 1 inch and leave 4 inches between seedlings. Planting in rows isn't necessary for container corn.

3. Water the corn until the soil is saturated. Water daily for the first week.

4. Apply all-purpose fertilizer every two to three weeks to encourage plant growth. Follow label instructions for fertilizer dosage.

5. Water corn deeply when the soil dries out.

6. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch to the soil to keep weeds to a minimum and retain moisture.

7. Harvest midget corn when the silky tassels dry out.

Tips & Warnings

• Container midget corn will require more frequent watering than corn that's planted in the ground.

References

• Backyard Gardener: Golden Midget Sweet Corn
• National Garden Bureau: Sweet Corn
• Gardeners Network: How to Grow Corn
• National Garden Association: Corn Planting Variations