Corn is a favorite of many pests. Prevention is usually the best defense. Plant disease-resistant varieties, encourage beneficial insects, and rotate where you plant corn each year. If cut worms were a problem in past years, drench the soil with parasitic nematodes a couple of weeks before planting.
Use floating row-cover to help prevent damage from birds, corn borers, or slugs. Check leaves for small holes regularly. If you find holes, spray with Bt each week as long as new holes appear. If worms have been an issue, place a few drops of mineral oil into the tip of each ear after the silk turns brown.
I’ve been following your blog and YouTube channel for a few months now and I’m so grateful for all the information you are sharing. I am in south Phoenix.
I am thinking of trying to grow corn this spring, I’ve never tried it before. Do you companion plant your corn? I’m interested in the corn, bean, squash combo. But wanted to know what you do here in the low desert. TIA
You can do the three sisters, but for corn to pollinate well it’s important to plant as much as you can in a single area. A companion planting that worked for me was to plant cowpeas in between the stalks once they were growing well. When the corn was finished the cowpeas took over the bed and grew well.
When growing corn in 4×4 raised bed how deep should the soil be?
Also is it too late in the season to plant?
Thanks
Hi Tori, We are at the end of the planting window and it has been a hot spring. I would wait for the next planting window with the monsoon moisture in late July or August. As far as planting depth, aim for a depth of at least 12 inches.