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Shippensburg, PA

Anytime I have tried to grow corn, either sweet or indian, I never get any ears. usually the plants get between 2-6 feet and look good. The only problem is they are just there...nothing grows on them. If I would happen to get some ears to grow, they stay about 4 inches long and never develope good kernals. Is there a problem with the soil? The seeds?...The grower???

9/14/2009 6:33:52 PM

Winston Salem NC

Could be soil problems. How may rows and what is the spacing between plants and rows? The ears will never do anything much if they arent pollinated completely. Water is another think I have noticed with corn. Some varieties do fairly well with dry weather but some will not make anything really if they dont get enough water, like what you are saying. What variety are you growing? Also have you had a soil test done to look for nutrients that may or may not be needed to add to the soil? Just a couple thoughts.
Rick

9/14/2009 6:47:45 PM

Shippensburg, PA

I am not sure of the variety. They were just seeds that my father had left over. I will get a sample of the soil sent out to be tested. I will try next year with watering more and planting them in rows closer together. I think the problem might be not close enough to pollinate each other.

9/14/2009 6:54:01 PM

Bethlehem CT

Make sure you have at least 3-4 rows about 28-36" apart. Corn plants should be spaced about 12" apart in the row. (a little more is O.K.) I actually do mine at about 16", I get bigger ears that way and some varieties will send up tillers which are extra stalks that come from the base of the plant. ( these too will produce an ear) It is hard to thin out all those young seedlings but if you don't all you will get are stunted ears and lots of stalks. Make sure the corn has plenty of fertilizer especially nitrogen, even the earliest varieties should be 4' tall. once the corn gets to about a foot or so it should be a dark green color. Ample water at pollination is crucial especially at pollination when the silks come out. In Connecticut this isn't usually a problem in most years, I am guessing it is the same for PA. I hope this helps.

9/14/2009 10:28:51 PM