How to Plant Georgia Corn

Save yourself a trip to buy bland corn from the grocery store. Corn tastes best when it is freshly harvested, especially the same day as the harvest. Treat yourself and enjoy the taste of fresh, sweet corn straight from your Georgia garden. Georgia's warm climate easily supports corn growth. With the proper location and planting techniques, you can plant corn in spring and serve it on your table in summer.

Things You'll Need

• Plow, rototiller or spade
• Corn seeds
• Leaves or organic compost (optional)
• Hose

Instructions

1. Find your last frost date for your region in Georgia, then wait at least two weeks after that frost date to plant your corn. Look for the frost date in "Farmers' Almanac," online or at your local garden supply store. Typically, you can begin planting corn in Georgia in late March or early April.

2. Find a sunny portion of land to plant your corn. Corn needs eight to 10 hours of full sun to thrive. The corn's location should have a nearby source of water so you can easily provide the necessary water through irrigation or an old-fashioned water hose.

3. Till the soil 6 to 8 inches deep. Use a rototiller or plow for larger plots, and use a spade for tilling smaller plots. If your soil is chiefly clay or is sandy, mix leaves or organic compost into the soil. Soil will till best when it is not wet.

4. Plant seeds approximately 1 inch deep in the soil. Leave 8 to 12 inches between seeds within a row and plant rows 3 feet apart. You will need at least 4 rows of corn for the plants to pollinate properly.

5. Water your corn regularly, including just after planting. Corn needs approximately 1 inch of water weekly. When Georgia rainfall does not provide that necessary inch of water, you must irrigate or use your water hose to help your corn survive.

Tips & Warnings

• Some of the best corn varieties for Georgia planting are Aztec, Jubilee and Merit.

References

• The University of Georgia: Growing Home Garden Sweet Corn
• Fort Valley State University: Growing Sweet Corn

Resources

• Mother Earth News: What to Plant Now