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Corn

Zea mays

Vegetable

Corn is a tall wind-pollinated grain grown as a warm-season vegetable. It forms the vertical component of the Three Sisters guild, providing a living trellis for beans and shade for squash. Plant in blocks rather than rows for good pollination.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Soil

Rich, well-draining loam; pH 5.8–6.8

Spacing

12 inches in blocks of at least 4 rows

Days to Maturity

60–100 days from direct sow

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 3–11

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

When to Plant

  • Direct Sow

    1–2 weeks after last frost, soil 60°F+

  • Harvest

    60–100 days; harvest when silks turn brown and kernels are plump

Organic Growing Tips

  • Plant in a minimum 4×4 block for good wind pollination — rows produce poorly pollinated cobs.

  • Apply a drop of mineral oil to fresh silks at the tip of each ear to suffocate corn earworm larvae.

  • Interplant with Three Sisters companions — beans fix nitrogen that feeds the heavy corn plants.

  • Choose a location with no night shade; corn needs maximum daylight hours for high yields.

Common Pests

  • Corn Earworm
  • European Corn Borer
  • Aphids
  • Rootworm
  • Smut

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.