How to Plant Sweet Corn Seeds in Tennessee
By Jim Gober, eHow Contributor
updated: February 9, 2011
Sweet corn is hybridized to have a higher sugar content than other corn varieties. However, the sugar content in each kernel begins to decline after each ear is picked. That is why it is often grown in home gardens -- so it can be picked at the peak of sweetness. The state of Tennessee is a popular location for growing sweet corn, which is widely planted as a commercial crop throughout the state. Harvest sweet corn when complete pollination has occurred, when the top of the silk begins to turn brown and the ears feel full.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Sweet corn seed
- Garden fork
- Shovel
- Rake
- Soil test results
- Recommended soil amendments
- Prepare a well-drained section of your Tennessee garden that is exposed to at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day. "Well-drained" means it does not hold water or remain waterlogged after it rains. The area should be large enough to accommodate at least two rows of sweet corn 24 inches wide, 15 feet long and 36 inches apart. If possible, find a location for planting sweet corn that is protected from high winds, especially spring storms blowing from the north or west.
Sweet corn plantings should be separated from other types of corn varieties at a distance of at least 100 feet to avoid cross-pollination.
- Remove all competing vegetation and pulverize the soil to a depth of 18 inches with a shovel and garden fork.
- Take a soil test to find out what amendments are needed for the soil for optimal sweet-corn production. Sweet corn is a heavy user of nitrogen and other fertilizers. Only a soil test can tell you what nutrients your soil needs and how much agricultural lime or sulphur is needed to bring the soil to the correct pH level. Contact your county agricultural extension office for information about soil testing. Your local county extension office will also have corn variety recommendations and exact planting dates for your Tennessee garden.
- Purchase a variety of sweet corn that is a heavy producer, is well adapted to Tennessee growing conditions and is recommended by your local county agricultural extension office. Silver Queen and Sunset varieties are often recommended, along with Golden Queen, Incredible, and Kandy Korn.
- Spread soil amendments recommended by the soil test along with 1 inch of compost over the planting area. Incorporate the amendments and compost into the top 6 inches of soil with a hoe, shovel or tiller. Do not mix the amendments deeper than 6 inches or they will be out of reach of the shallow-rooted corn plants. Rake the area smooth.
- Plant the sweet corn in the spring and early summer in Tennessee when the soil is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The recommended planting dates for sweet corn in Tennessee are from April 1 to June 1.
- Push the seeds into the prepared soil until they are 1 inch deep and 8 to 12 inches apart. Close the soil over the seed with your hand or planting tool. Instead of making one long row, form a double or triple row in a staggered or checkerboard pattern with seeds 8 to 12 inches apart to ensure good pollination. This is known as a block. Sweet corn planted in a single line will not pollinate correctly and the kernels will be misshapen. Separate each block with a 36-inch space for easy access.
- Water as often as needed to keep the roots evenly moist but not wet during the growing season. Corn is very sensitive to fluctuations in soil moisture levels. Sandy soil will need more frequent irrigation than loamy or clay soils.
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