Sweet corn is considered by many to be much superior to ordinary field corn for roasting ears. The "taste test" proves that sweet corn, fresh from the garden, is tops in flavor and tenderness...
On fertile soil, plant sweet corn in rows 1/2 feet wide. In the drill, plant one grain each 12 inches. On very rich soil, you can plant a little closer. On poor or droughty soil, plant 15 to 18 inches apart and fertilize liberally.
Do not pull off any suckers, as these will also produce ears.
Plant in blocks of several short rows and not in one long row. This is necessary to insure proper pollination. If corn is planted in one long row, many or most of the ears will not fill out properly. This applies whether you plant sweet or non sweet varieties.
Use a liberal quantity of a complete fertilizer before planting. Give a side dressing of nitrogen fertilizer when corn is about knee-high, or 40 to 45 days after planting. If available, you can side dress with poultry manure after corn has been up 10 to 14 days.
As with other truck crops, the ground should be well prepared before planting.
Put first planting in at earliest safe date and others at 10- to 14-day intervals for continuous fresh supply.
For canning or freezing, make larger plantings early. Late plantings do not do well and will be subject to greater damage from corn ear worms.
