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Post by themotherhen on Jun 17, 2015 4:58:28 GMT
I have one previous attempt at growing corn. It did not go well. DH and I planted way too close, 100 plants in a 10'x10' plot. We were living on a tiny city plot. The corn got tall, started to set cobs, then got this odd, white, alien looking fungus. It was all ruined and we tore it out of the garden because we were afraid it might spread. So this year, with a big garden, we spaced the plants according to the package. The corn is beautiful now, up to my hips/waist, and looks healthy and strong. So, is there anything that I need to look out for? I don't want to have another failed crop, I was so discouraged after our last debacle. Any advice?
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Post by okiemomof3 on Jun 17, 2015 13:12:25 GMT
as soon as it begins to tassle, once a week or after every rain, spray on the tassles a mixture of Dawn soap and water. it will keep any corn worms from getting to your corn. that's what we do and it works wonders!
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Post by themotherhen on Jun 17, 2015 18:00:24 GMT
Thanks okiemomof3! Great tip!
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Post by paquebot on Jun 17, 2015 19:34:46 GMT
What you had was corn smut. It's edible and considered a delicacy in some cultures. You may even find it in cans in Hispanic markets. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_smutMartin |
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Post by Homesteader on Jun 17, 2015 20:10:32 GMT
Yes, those corn worms are awful. However, even if you do get them, you may be able to salvage the bottom portion of the cob. At least on ours, the worms begin eating at the tip of the corn, and work down. So, often we have had to just cut off the tips down 1-3 inches.
It is much better to get rid of those so they don't eat the corn at all. Enjoy!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2015 1:08:09 GMT
I'm wondering if that Dawn soap mixture might work on the coons? If I could just get close enough to spray it on them it would help I know. Seriously tho, the coons are worse here than any other pest or condition.
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Post by paquebot on Jun 18, 2015 3:35:01 GMT
We have one vendor at the local farmers market who claims that his sweet corn is organic and his ears prove it. If an inch or so of the tip is missing, the customer knows that no spray was used. Believe it or not, those who know sweet corn accept that explanation. One of my canning company field sources grows a real late variety for cream-style. Spraying is done once just when the second round of worms are becoming established. Perhaps 1 in 10 ears will have a dead worm that has just started eating. Usually only the tip of the ear needs be trimmed off just as done in the canning factory.
Martin
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