Some of my sweetcorn is looking a bit yellow and unhappy

[Edwardo82]

Hi,

A few of my Sweetcorn plants, which are currently outside under a mini polytunnel are looking a little un well.

I have a funny feeling that it may be down to drying out, they are under their own little polytunnel and the ground has a tendancy to dry out quickly. I understand that the roots are near the surface and I think this is possibly why so I am going to try and mulch them a little more to give them protection.

I do have another 10 seedlings ready to go in but would appreciate some feedback on this one please.

Many Thanks

[Creemteez]

Hi Edwardo82,
Until you mentioned that they are under their own polytunnel, I was going to suggest that they are suffering (as mine have done) from wind chill. So unless your tunnel is open ended and funneling the prevailing winds it won't be that.
On the packet of seeds I had, it suggested growing on in "cooler conditions", so that makes me wonder if the poly tunnel isn't the problem.
Being in sunny Hampshire, I would have thuoght you were pretty safe from frosts now, and those things can get very hot in even gentle sun.
As we are expecting a heatwave over the weekend, I'd remove the tunnel during the day, give 'm a really good soaking, and maybe put it back for the night if you're worried. There is a chance that you may be killing them with kindness!
Mine did look very sick for a while but they are bucking their ideas up now.
Sorry I can't be more definate, no doubt someone else will!
Good luck.

[Edwardo82]

Hi there,

Four out of six are still alive but still looking a little under weather, I have bought another 8 young plants to go in with the first lot so hopefully now that the weather is stable (winks) they will take off and I should get some sweetcorn this year.

Thanks for your feedback!

Kind Regards

Ed

[Nicos]

Sweet corn requires constant moisture at it's roots...and is a 'high demand'plant as far as water is concerned.
I found a bit about it for you...

Corn | Canberra Organic Growers Society

[Edwardo82]

Cheers Nico!

I will read that this evening after work

[spondoodle]

Yes, mine are looking the same! Apart from one plant which lived inside for a couple of extra days.... it is also planted in a tall pot (sold with a rose in) which could be another factor. It's definitely bushier and healthier than the other plants. The ones I've put in the ground already are looking very sad - the leaves are sort of shredded on some of the plants and I'm worried that when I plant the next batch the same thing will happen. I water them at least once a day and have given them the odd bit of plant food and dug in compost. Any other ideas?!

[Edwardo82]

Yes I have another batch to put in but I am scared to do so!!

The ground is full of manure and compost and is reasonably good at retaining moisture. I think I put the first lot out too earlier and was too late in covering them up with a mini tunnel and the wind & cold got to them. The next lot I will put out and cover straight away and keep a close eye on them! Fingers crossed!!

Come on Sweetcorn!!!