- 1). Till the soil well before planting Hopi blue corn to ensure the even distribution of water. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 14 inches using a rotary tiller. Make numerous passes over the bed to break up any large clumps.
- 2). Shovel out 3 inches of soil from the bed. Pile the soil around the edges of the bed to create a berm, or a small earthen wall, to direct the water toward the roots of the Hopi blue corn plants. Moisten the soil lightly with a garden hose and firm the berm with your hands to make it sturdy.
- 3). Spread 3 inches of compost over the bed and cultivate it again with the rotary tiller to incorporate the amendment. Adding compost improves moisture retention and drainage, as well as the nutrient composition of the soil.
- 4). Plant the Hopi blue corn seed 1 inch deep and 10 inches apart. Soak the bed with a garden hose set on a low to medium flow. Lay the hose over the edge of the berm and let the water run for 10 or 15 minutes to saturate the soil.
- 5). Water the corn every 10 days to a depth of 5 inches using the same soaking method. Deep, regular water is preferable to frequent but light watering.
- 6). Increase water to 7 inches every 10 days when the corn begins to form ears. Corn plants are very thirsty and additional water is required during fruit production.
- 7). Cease watering once the ripe ears are harvested and no more are beginning to form.
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