Soil Prep

• Corn grows best in well-drained, sandy soil. Work the soil deeply--at least 6 inches--and rake smooth. The optimal soil pH for corn is 6.0-6.5. Fertilizing with a standard 12-12-12 mix is recommended.
  
  

Timing

• Corn is a fairly early-planting crop. Corn can be planted once the soil temperature is over 50 degrees, but germination time is quicker if the soil is at least 70 degrees. The general time frame is mid-April to mid-May. Corn yield falls significantly if planted later than May.
  
  

Planting

• Plant corn in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. For light soils, plant the kernels 2 inches deep, and for heavy soils, no greater than 1 inch deep. Place the seeds 8 to 12 inches apart. If planting in hills rather than rows, space the hills 3 feet apart and plant several seeds in each hill, thinning down to the strongest plants after sprouting.
  
  

Care

• Cultivate between rows to kill small weeds before they are established, and fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer once the plants are 8 to 10 inches tall. Watch your corn carefully for signs of disease or insect damage. Use insecticides to control insect invasions early on.