Cindy, I have been growing corn in my garden for several years and love doing it, some good years and some bad. My seasoned neighbors around me have given me many pointers over the last few years on how to get the best results. But I am confused about a couple of thing that I can't seem to find a good answer to. I have tried planting my corn by what my experance neighbors do, plant about three seeds together and space the seads in the row about 12" apart. When the plants come up pull out one and let the other two grow, and I have had good luck with that. But I have looked in corn fields and see that they plant their corn about 6 to 8 inchs apart with one stock coming up. I have looked at buying a planter, (got to be easier on the back) and they also put down one corn seed about 7 to 8 inches apart. Last year I did my corn that way, one seed about 6 to 8 inches apart, but because of the dry spell early last year, I did't have much luck. In your opinon what do you think the best way is? And would it be good to put some fertilizer in the furrow with the seeds before I cover it up.
John

Plant corn in blocks to ensure good pollination. Plant two or three seeds per square foot and thin to the strongest seedling once they reach four to six inches. Once they start to mature, you can strip the tassels that contain the pollen and shake them over the silks to help with pollination. Corn needs lots of water to produce good ear. Use a water-soluble starter solution when you plant the seed and a complete fertilizer like 10-10-10 when it is knee high and again when the silks appear.

When planting different varieties of corn, be sure to choose varieties that mature at least 14 days apart to avoid cross-pollination. You can also avoid cross-pollination by planting different varieties at least 250 feet apart.