Bi licious SE sweet corn

[Wimpy69]

So I'm surprising my Grandson and trying some corn, it's been awhile since I have. Question is this;
If final seed spacing is called out at 8"+ and you can have a hill with 3+ seeds at 8", why not space 4"-6" and not thin to 8+". I'm doin a rough 6' x 8' plot alternating rows with Provider bush beans. Stoke my memory, Wife said it's been at least
20 yrs+ since I have

 

[Voodoo 6]

Well here is what the package says on this particular seed package, hope it helps! Cheers!!

 

[Wimpy69]

Found this from an extension;
Corn in small patches should be planted in “hills.” This does not refer to—as is commonly the case in gardening—elevated mounds of soil.

1. Plant several seeds together so that three stalks grow from each hole, or “hill.” High-density growth for good pollination is what you’re after. This wouldn’t be a factor in a quarter-acre or more of corn, but it is critical in a small patch. If you get too many stalks, however, the crowded conditions will cause spindly growth that won’t provide a good yield.
2. Space the hills closer together than is customary; 8 inches or so is about right. --
3. Kinda remembered some, the packet of course called out thin to 9"+. I'm pushing it to single seed--6", I really hate thinning. The thins never really take transplant for me either. The bed is really rich, was planted with 3 grows of Green beans with roots left in ground last season. Scratched in compost and leaf mould in between planting rows. Ended up doing 2 rows w/14" spacing then Provider bush beans w/4 per sq '. Then repeated c->b. Corn seeds along with beans presoaked then after planting plot was covered w/thin layer of cut grass/dried leaves mulch. So now I wait, as always until they start popping up thru the mulch.

 

[The Hot Pepper]

Great info, thanks @Wimpy69!

 

[Wimpy69]

Coming along with about +/-70% germ. I did not use an inoculate with the beans, all the previous plantings of beans, seemed pretty good. Corn seedlings are strengthening and have been hand watering, adding mulch since the rain were having now has been long over due. Scratched in between rows some espoma poultry manure using a little less than full dose and first liquid fert watering with 18-18-21 till the poultry kicks in.

 

[Wimpy69]

Wow, that's some good ferts

 

[Wimpy69]

Some tassels are starting to appear and some swelling at upper joints, keeping a slow and steady watering trying to keep up with this second heat wave. Beans are absolutely mutant plants juting out from everywhere with really plump abundant pods. Getting items together for hand pollinating which my grandson will be helping me with.

 

[Wimpy69]

Silks !!, really pumping water now. Storms are suppose to bring some rain numbers but locally so, at least the ground is deeply watered so it won't run off. Expecting another heatwave,#3

 

[Wimpy69]

Silks are browning up and ears are swelling

 

[Wimpy69]

While lookin thru the stalks for hidden ears, found this, Huitlacoche on a stubby ear. Have seen it before in street tacos but have never tried it. Any suggestions on a recipe it can be incorporated (hidden) in? Read that you can also freeze it but would go off of experiences here.

 

[Wimpy69]

Corns done, it's gone. Cut stalks at ground level and are being dried for fall decorations. Beans also cut at ground level and picked, rest went to compost. Ended up with roughly 24 ears that were +/- 8" and fully pollinated. About 10 more that were zipper ears and around 6"-8" with two Huitlacoche ears. Almost all were hand pollinated with bag/brush and done in the morning. Alot of silks were left with no pollen so next year several spaced plantings I feel will cut down on that. Also I will wait till the ground is several degrees warmer considering the germ % as I saw from one of the early pics. Several of the stalks had maroon tassels vs 99% tan. The maroon stalks produced a solid white ear like a Silver Queen that must have been the white kernel on the cob trait. It was fun, my grandson

learned about pollination, bees, and my wife helped out when I was at work. Best part was me and my grandson pulling off some ripe ears and chowing down.