Question about growing sweet corn -NEWBIE HERE-

[gdk22984]

This year is my first attempt on growing sweet corn here in the Northeast. I am for sure a complete amateur. The types I am growing is chubby checker and silver queen hybrid. My garden area is 50x100 and I tilled in aged horse manure (with some bedding mixed in) last year, and tilled it again before planting. I hauled in a fair amount to make sure the soil was rich come planting time this year.

So here is my question. It's been over 20 days and the corn is very small, maybe a couple inches and look like small blades of grass. They certainly are not growing at all very fast once they sprouted. Should this be more progressed at this stage? Its in open field, plenty of sunlight and I have been watering. I got about 85-90percent germination. I feel at this growing rate, it will never produce, unless these things get into high gear. I would add fertilizer but I was pretty confident that the soil is ideal for corn and high in nitrogen.

Any suggestions?

 

[dave1949]

The weather has been cool for sweetcorn growth in this part of the state. I don't have any planted this year.

 

[DFB]

Northeast weather hasn't been ideal for early season germination on many crops. May was an exceptionally dry month and only in the past 2 weeks has there been any measurable precipitation for many of us across New England. Also corn is heavy nitrogen feeder additional fertilizer side dressing would help out considerably

I suggest you follow some of the local university publications either U Mass Veg Notes (Their bi annually updated growers guide is highly recommended by me), University of Maine Cooperative Extension or even MOFGA

 

[breadtrk]

Corn loves Nitrogen. Side dress it with some 20-0-0 right before a rain.

 

[oosik]

Corn does best in HOT weather. As others have indicated its been pretty cool in your neck of the woods. Give it a chance - its still very early.

 

[dave1949]

Several years ago I had sweetcorn planted and it turned out to be a cool summer. That slowed the corn down so much that it took forever to fill out the ears, which gave the corn worms plenty of time to find it and do their damage.

I once tried Indian multi-colored corn which has a long maturity. The kernels filled nicely but never matured enough to harden, then the mold took over.

I think you will get the best results in Maine with a short maturity corn that you plant after the soil is warm enough for good germination--IIRC that is around 72F. Water it if needed, don't let it languish from dry spells. It will need nitrogen fertilizer, usually three side dressings IIRC and I think your corn is about ready for the first one now but don't overdo it.

Horse manure is not high in nitrogen.

 

[randy41]

patience

 

[Ford850]

Mine looks the same, but that is normal. The first few weeks of growth are critical while it grows down producing a good root structure. You should see it take off growing new leaves and going upright fairly soon. As others have said, you will want a light application of nitrogen scratched in along the rows now too, which is what it needs for strong healthy stalks.

 

[nybirdman]

Also prepare for some Raccoon/ deer protection,they love the stuff.

 

[gdk22984]

Thank you all for the helpful responses. As far as nitrogen, my local tractor supply has 20-0-0 in liquid concentrate. Says its for lawns and such. Would this work with a sprayer or do I need something different?