Corn is a vital part of a well balanced and nutritious diet, as it’s a source of protein, starch, and calories. However, corn is very sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture, so you need to take special care with this staple crop. Corn can be an easy crop to care for if you follow some simple grow tips. Here are some of the best tips for growing corn at home:
Grow Corn in Medium to High Light Conditions: Corn is most successful when it is in full sun. However, it does better in full to partially shade conditions as well. Corn also does well in sunny, low light environments, as the leaves tend to remain green even in low light. Also, maintaining a consistent high humidity environment indoors for your corn is important for them.
Choose Your Corn Based on the Time of Year: The time of year that you plant your corn plant in is important. It’s best to plant corn in late spring, early summer, or late fall, since the plants mature slightly earlier than other types of grains. During this time, they are more likely to grow larger, leafier plants. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you are planning to sell your produce in the future, the plants you grow now are unlikely to be ready.
Consider Growing Dracaena Fragrans When Available: For those considering growing corn for home consumption, it’s important to consider the variety that’s available for home use. There are several premium varieties available, including beefsteak, navy, blue, yellow, popcorn, kudzu, and sweet corn. These are just some of the corn varieties available for home consumption. In addition, there are several indoor plants that work well in growing conditions that mimic those found outdoors. Some examples of these include the African violets, anthurium, and sweet red creeper. While you may not be able to grow all of these options for personal consumption, you can easily grow them indoors to provide colorful blooms for your home.
Consider Potting Soil Preparation: Before you begin growing corn, it’s a good idea to prepare the soil for the plant. Typically, you’ll want to purchase potting soil that’s been mixed with vermiculite and bone meal. This mix allows you to control both the quality and amount of water that the corn will need. The soil mix also allows you to decide how much fertilizer to use, since fertilizers can be quite expensive at times. To make the soil less acidic, add potassium or magnesium for the first week, then follow up with a borax mix for the second week.
Buy Dracaena Fragrans: Most corn plant growers fail to harvest the corn plants properly because they don’t have the proper care given to them. One of the best ways to ensure optimal growth is by picking up a few quality dracaena fragrans. Since the leaves varieties are very easy to grow, most grow into large-sized corn varieties with very nice leaves. You’ll find that there are many different leaf varieties available as well. If you live in the South, the Southwestern States, or Florida, then this is likely one of the best selections you’ll ever make.