Seed Corn - Growing Corn Free of Pests and Disease

Corn is the staple of most backyard barbecues and picnics. There is nothing like the taste of fresh corn on the cob, or the pleasure of watching seed corn soar to the sky in the fields. Growing corn can be one of the most satisfactory experiences for a new garden enthusiast, and can also be one of the first disappointments. Seed corn is often available in a variety of hybrids; hybrids are developed so that growing corn can be a fairly easy experience. Plants are designed for flavor, high yield, and resistance to pests and diseases.

Typical problems that affect corn are seed corn maggots and seed leaf diseases. Garden pests can be a challenge to growing corn. Many animals like raccoons and deer will try to get to the corn before you can harvest it - sometimes it’s a battle of wills.

Seed Corn – Growing Corn for High Yield

Whether you plan to plant a field of corn or a small row of corn in your garden, there are some rules that will assure that seed corn produces a high yield. Growing corn with a variety of other summer vegetables can be either a winning or losing proposition.

Part of the success of seed corn is the placement of the corn next to other plants. Growing corn next to beans and squash is a recipe that will benefit all the vegetables. Planting corn next to beans gives the corn a great source of needed nitrogen (from the beans); corn provides a support for the shooting beanstalks; spreading squash plants will give the soil the necessary shade needed to keep it cool and moist. Careful garden planning ensures the best quality and yield of all three plants, and a bountiful harvest of these native plants.

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