Growing corn can be a fun and rewarding experience.
This article will help you understand how to grow corn in a raised bed. How to grow corn from seed, the best varieties of sweet corn and some fun facts about Illinois corn.
Tips to deal with indigestion after eating corn, and the many health benefits of corn silk tea, corn and rice, and sweet corn.
Hi there, I’m Hasan, and I’ve been gardening for about 8 years.
Let’s dive in…
Table of Contents
How to Grow Corn in a Raised Bed
1. Wait for the Right Time: Plant corn after the last frost. The soil should be 64 °F for seeds to germinate.
2. Choose a Sunny Spot: Corn needs at least 6 hours of sunlight.
3. Soak Seeds: Soak corn seeds in warm water overnight to speed up germination.
4. Plant Seeds: Make holes 1 inch deep and place two seeds in each hole.
5. Protect Sprouts: Use fencing or bird netting to protect sprouts from birds.
6. Fertilize: When plants are knee-high, dig a furrow next to each row and fill it with high nitrogen fertilizer.
7. Harvest: Sweet corn can be picked 3 weeks after the silk appears. Bend and twist the ears towards the ground to pick them.
8. Store Properly: Leave sweet corn in the husk until you eat or preserve it.
How to Grow Corn from Seed
1. Choose Location: Pick a spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight.
2. Prepare the Soil: Use well-draining, fertile, and loose soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
3. Planting Time: Plant seeds outdoors when the soil is warm.
4. Spacing: Space plants 8-10 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
5. Planting Depth: Plant seeds about 1.75 inches deep.
6. Watering: Provide one inch of water every week.
7. Mulching: Mulch with compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
8. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer before planting.
9. Pollination: Wind carries pollen from the tassels to the silks.
10. Harvesting: Harvest when kernels are plump and the husks are deep green.
Best Varieties of Sweet Corn
1. Ambrosia Hybrid
2. Golden Bantam
3. Jubilee Hybrid
4. Silver Queen Hybrid
5. Honey Select Hybrid
6. Nirvana Hybrid
Fun Facts About Illinois Corn
1. Production: Illinois grows corn on nearly 11 million acres, ranking No. 2 in the U.S.
2. Economic Impact: In 2020, corn production in Illinois generated over $7 billion.
3. Field Corn vs. Sweet Corn: 98% of corn grown in Illinois is field corn for livestock and products. Sweet corn is about 2%.
4. Popcorn: Illinois ranks No. 3 in the U.S. for popcorn production.
5. Corn Kernels: One ear of corn has about 800 kernels, and a bushel contains about 72,800 kernels.
Tips to Deal with Indigestion After Eating Corn
1. Carom Seeds: Chew on carom seeds or mix the powder with lukewarm water.
2. Baking Soda: Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with water, add honey and lemon juice.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink.
4. Dry Ginger Powder: Mix ½ tablespoon of dry ginger powder with honey in lukewarm water.
5. Fennel Seeds: Chew fennel seeds or prepare fennel tea.
Health Benefits of Corn Silk Tea
1. May Lower Blood Sugar: Helps regulate insulin production.
2. May Treat Bedwetting: Effective for both adults and kids.
3. Rich in Vitamin C: Reduces the risk of heart problems.
4. May Soothe Gout Symptoms: Relieves gout pain.
5. May Soothe Kidney Problems: Helps with urinary infections and inflammation.
6. May Boost Digestion: Stimulates bile secretion.
7. May Help Control Bleeding: Good source of vitamin K for blood clotting.
Health Benefits of Corn and Rice
1. Organic Fats: Helps with indigestion, diarrhea, and dysentery.
2. Prevents Cancer: Good source of energy and nutrients.
3. Skin Health: Rich in folate, thiamin, manganese, and selenium.
4. Improves Digestion: Boosts the nervous system and improves skin health.
5. Maintains Low Cholesterol: Good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, thiamin, and magnesium.
Health Benefits of Eating Sweet Corn
1. High in Fiber: Good for digestion.
2. Heart Health: Improves heart health.
3. Antioxidants: Helps fight diseases.
4. Prevents Diverticulitis: Good for the digestive tract.
5. Eye Health: Improves vision.
6. Enhances Memory: Good for brain health.
The Many Uses of Corn
Food Uses: Breakfast cereals, brewing beer, syrup, potato chips, tacos, chewing gum, soups, salad dressing, and more.
Industrial Uses: Blankets, cosmetics, food packaging, disposable diapers, paper, plastics, soaps, and more.
Benefits of Corn Silk Extract
1. Kidney and Urinary Health: Acts as a diuretic and soothes urinary surfaces.
2. Prostate Health: May reduce symptoms of BPH.
3. Reduces Blood Pressure: Helps with hypertension.
4. Lowers Blood Sugar: Manages blood sugar levels.
5. Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
6. Antioxidant: Rich source of flavonoids.
7. Anti-Fatigue: Increases endurance and fights fatigue.
Three Sisters Companion Planting
1. History: The Iroquois have been growing corn, beans, and squash together for centuries.
2. Planting: Prepare soil with fish scraps or wood ash. Sow corn, then beans, then squash.
3. Benefits: Corn provides structure, beans bring nitrogen to the soil, and squash keeps the soil cool and moist.
Conclusion
Growing corn is a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown food and learn more about gardening.
Whether you’re planting in a raised bed or starting from seed, there are many benefits and fun facts to discover.
From the best varieties of sweet corn to the health benefits of corn silk tea, there’s so much to love about this versatile plant.
Happy gardening!
I hope you find this guide helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Want to be a successful gardener?
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