Growing Sweetcorn

[Akela Ben]

I have been given some sweetcorn seeds, now I have never grown these before, any tips or advice. They are called Ovation.

[annafricangrey]

i am a novice but i planted sweetcorn last year which was a success

i started them off in TALL cells and when the danger of frost had passed i planted them out


i was advised to plant in squares as they need to cross pollenate. as i was tight for space i had them 12 inches apart, also cos i had a few extras i put one in each of the squares. from above imagine a 5 on a diceand keep spacing like that!!

they were great straight off the plant and the kids ate them raw!!!


enjoy


ann

[wellie]

Hi Akela Ben,

Yes, sow them in tall pots/loo roll cardboards indoors last week or so of April, harden the plants off gradually to get them accustomed to cooler outdoor temperatures, and protect from frost. 12-18" apart in a square/rectangle so as the pollen from the top of the plant falls to pollinate the female tassles beneath. When the time comes, you can gently shake the main stem to help the pollen fall. If you notice 'roots' growing above soil level as the plants are growing, gently earth up around them a bit (this is normal) and try to keep the soil around the plants weed-free, but don't be tempted to go in 'gung ho' with a Hoe, as it's very easy to damage the stems with the hoe.

Lots of luck when the time comes!

[johnygreenfeet]

because allotments holders only plant a few you will get trouble with pollination plant them as close as you dare if you look at farmers maze it is about 4inch by 12inch plant all in one square and pile in as much MUCK (FYM) as you can get your hands on it is a hungry crop

[Paulottie]

I found cardboard tubes tricky some went a bit mouldy with many losses. Easy to get too wet, and didn't disintegrate quick enough on planting. 3" pots and one of those bulb planters works well for me.

Another good tip is using lge plastic water bottles with the bottom cut off for cloches when setting out. I often grow through Mypex, tho grass clipping mulches work well. I like to grow butternut squash underneath them. Growing a few batches to extend your season is wise, My family, chickens and Guinea pig can eat a limitless supply.

Then wait till its perfectly ripe and run back and eat it. It is one of the real treats of the allotmenteer year. Unfortunately we have badgers on the allotment that love it too. they wait till its just perfect and flatten the lot the night before you harvest. I'm going to fight electricly this year!!!