How to Co-Plant Pumpkins & Corn

Co-planting achieves maximum production of crops.

Growing different plants together in shared spaces is called co-planting. One of the most common co-planting practices involves pumpkins and corn. Pumpkin vines require up to 30 feet of garden ground, limiting available planting space. Corn requires little horizontal space, so adding pumpkins between the corn stalks is efficient use of space. Low-growing pumpkin vines cover the ground beneath corn stalks, helping retain soil moisture and retard weeds.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or garden tiller
• Pumpkin seeds
• Corn seeds

Instructions

Planting Pumpkins

1. Turn over garden soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches, using a shovel or garden tiller.

2. Create small mounds, 3 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart.

3. Place four seeds in a circle in the center of each mound, spacing seeds 6 inches apart.

4. Cover pumpkin seeds with 1 inch of soil.

Planting Corn

1. Dig trench 1 inch deep between pumpkin mounds.

2. Plant corn seeds in a straight line in trench, spacing 9 inches apart.

3. Cover corn seeds with 1 inch of soil.

4. Water garden thoroughly. Continue to water all plants as needed throughout the growing season.

References

• "The Complete Guide to Companion Planting: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Garden and Ornamental Plants Thrive (Back-To-Basics)"; Dale Meyer; 2010
• University of Illinois Extension; Growing Pumpkins
• University of Illinois Extension; Growing Corn