Zea mays, or corn, is a warm–weather crop that requires cross–pollination in order to produce a good crop. Different varieties of corn have different requirements for the length of the growing season. Sweetcorn, for example, is harvested when the cobs are still maturing and so needs a shorter growing season than a variety grown for its mature, dried seed. Corn requires a warm position and well drained soil in order to grow properly. Ample moisture is also required during the growing season. Corn will not grow well if any of these conditions are not met.

Sow Kandy Korn Hybrid Sweet Corn seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost is past and soil is warm. Plant 1 seed every 4″. Thin to 1 plant every 12″ when plants are 4″ tall. Control weeds with a mulch and keep plants well watered, especially when the tops begin to tassel.

Small, lightweight Shrunken (sh) kernels demand the most care at planting. Do not plant them deeper than three-fourths to one inch. They will absorb up to twice as much water as other types before they germinate, so keep the seedbed moist until the shoots emerge.

In cooler soil, diseases are more likely to infect seeds. Be sure that your garden soil temperature is at least 65°F. Some gardeners use plastic mulch to speed soil warming.

It is common to husk an ear of sweet corn and find a caterpillar near the tip of the ear, and a chewed-up area of kernels. If this happens in your kitchen, cut the affected part of the ear off with a knife and cook the rest of the ear.

Base your need to manage these pests on their activity in your garden. If you find they are damaging your corn more years than not, anticipate that they will be a problem. If you generally do not see them attacking your corn, you can assume they will not be a problem.

You can avoid problems from these insects by planting corn around early May, and making sure the variety will mature in less than 80 days.

But if you grow later maturing varieties, or if your soil does not warm up early enough to plant in early May, and you have had trouble with either or both of these pests in the past, you will want to take steps to control them.

Diseases:

• Smut causes firm, tumor-like growths on leaves, stems, ears and tassels. Look for smut galls throughout the season and cut them out before they produce spores. Remove these galls from the garden and bury them. Do not compost them. 
• Leaf rust appears as rusty orange streaks on leaves that release an abundance of powdery orange spores. Rust resistant varieties are available and are the best form of control. 
• Use good cultural control practices to reduce disease problems to a good level and allow for a successful harvest.