Corn is a heat-loving crop grown in southern regions without seedlings. The grain does not tolerate transplanting well. However, in cooler climates, growing conditions require pre-forcing of seedlings. To ensure a bountiful harvest, when planting corn seedlings in 2020 according to the lunar calendar, you should not only consider the table of favorable planting days but also the agroclimatic conditions of the region and the ripening time of the specific variety.
Timing of planting corn seeds
The quality and abundance of the harvest depend on the correct sowing time. Since it typically takes about 100 days from sowing to the beginning of corn bearing, in temperate climates, especially in Siberia and the Urals, the grain is grown from seedlings. Seedlings emerge faster indoors than outdoors, making it possible to shorten the growing season and harvest the cobs before the onset of cold weather.
By the Moon
Begin preparing the seed during the waxing moon phase. Starting on the second day after the new moon and for the next three days is the right time to germinate the seeds. If you begin growing grain during the waning moon, the plants will be weaker. Due to the reduced number of cobs, there is a risk of significant crop loss. A table of favorable days for corn has been compiled taking into account the phases of the moon:
| Month | Suitable numbers |
| March | 9-12, 20-24, 25, 27 |
| April | 5, 6, 8-11, 19-23 |
| May | 4-9, 11, 19-23 |
| June | 5-7, 18-22 |
Depending on the region
Since each zone has its own agroclimatic conditions, suitable planting dates also vary. Determining planting dates based on weather conditions:
| Name of the region | Description |
| Central Russia, including the Moscow region | A risky farming zone. Weather conditions are unstable, but zoned varieties quickly establish themselves and are capable of producing a harvest even after autumn frosts. Since established seedlings can be transplanted into open ground as early as mid-May, when the air warms up to 12°C, the seeding period is late April. |
| Southern regions | Once the soil temperature reaches 10-13°C, the seeds are sown into the beds. If an earlier harvest is needed, seedlings can be forced in early April. |
| Siberia and the Urals | Because the region experiences a long spring and short summer, seedlings are only planted in the garden after the cold weather has subsided and daylight hours have increased—in June. Seed germination begins in the first ten days of May. |
Influence of variety
When calculating optimal timing, consider that vigorous seedlings ready for transplanting to unprotected beds should have three leaf blades. The ideal age for viable seedlings is 20-30 days. These nuances influence the sowing time based on the maturation time of the varieties. The growing season of the specific crop is subtracted from the harvest phase, taking into account the potential development period of the seedlings at home. For example, since late-ripening varieties require approximately 120 days to mature, they are not suitable for cultivation in northern regions.
Rules for growing seedlings
Since the crop has a sensitive root system, it's best to sow seeds for seedlings in individual pots or cell trays. The best option is to use peat pots, which are then used to plant the seedlings in the beds. This eliminates the need for thinning the crops, and avoids intermediate transplanting. Furthermore, the plants experience minimal stress and establish quickly.
Seed preparation and germination
Corn can also be sown using dry seed. However, this will delay germination. This method is typically used in southern regions, where seeding is done directly into unprotected soil. The main stages of seed preparation are:
- Healthy specimens are selected.
- The conditioned seed material is dipped in a solution of potassium permanganate or Fitosporin for 20 minutes for disinfection.
- The seeds are then wrapped in damp gauze, which is regularly sprayed and kept at a temperature of 28°C. After 3 days, the corn will sprout.
Soil requirements
The grass grows well in light, well-drained soils with a rich composition. The loose structure allows air to reach the roots and prevents excess moisture from stagnating. The substrate is generally purchased at the store—a universal one is recommended. You can also prepare your own soil mix by combining peat, humus, sand, and leaf mold in equal proportions. When preparing the soil yourself, be sure to disinfect it by baking it in the oven for about 20 minutes or by soaking it in a Fitosporin solution.
Sowing technology and care
Once the seeds have sprouted, they are sown into the soil. The main steps are:
- The pots are filled with substrate, which is generously moistened.
- The seeds are planted to a depth of 3-4 cm. 2-3 seeds are placed in each container.
- Place the crops on a light windowsill and cover with glass, which is systematically removed for ventilation and humidification.
The first shoots will appear within 5-7 days. After this occurs, the protective glass is removed, and the temperature is lowered to 15-18°C during the day and 13-15°C at night for the next 3 days. Adjusting the thermometer readings will prevent the shoots from stretching. After this time, the temperature is raised to 20-23°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. Water the seedlings as the soil dries.
Planting seedlings in open ground
Three or four weeks after germination, depending on the region, the seedlings are transplanted to their permanent location. The first stage is suitable for southern regions. In colder climates, it's best to avoid risking transplanting too young plants. Besides having three true leaves, a well-developed root system, completely encircling the root ball, indicates that the seedlings are ready for transplanting. In this case, even when transplanted from their trays, the plants won't experience stress.
Another important factor that influences transplant timing is soil temperature. Gardening begins when the soil warms to 14°C. There should also be stable warmth without the risk of recurrent frosts, which not only stunt the growth of grain crops but can also kill young, unrooted plants.
Choosing a location
Well-drained areas with deep groundwater are best for growing corn. Constantly waterlogged soils lead to the development of fungal diseases. If the soil is too dense, it's best to first add coarse river sand and compost, an organic soil conditioner. Corn thrives in soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH.
A good harvest is easier to achieve in fertile soil. To maintain the humus layer, the plot is fertilized in the fall by adding compost and superphosphate during tillage. Beforehand, the plot is cleared of weed roots. When choosing a site, consider crop rotation. Optimal predecessors include potatoes, carrots, beets, and legumes.
Planting diagram
Planting grain crops in rows. Step-by-step instructions:
- Dig holes the size of which corresponds to the root ball of the seedling or the peat cup with which it will be transferred to the garden bed.
- The distance between the holes is kept at half a meter. The row spacing is made the same.
- After planting the seedlings, the soil around the tree trunks is compacted and watered.
- When the water is absorbed, the beds are mulched using dry grass, sawdust, and straw.
Features of further care
To obtain marketable ears, planting according to corn growing guidelines is not enough. Once the young plants are in the open ground, they are carefully tended, monitoring the phytosanitary condition of the crops and the moisture content of the beds. Maintaining the balance of nutrients in the soil is essential during the growing season.
Watering
Corn requires moderate moisture for full development. However, there are drought-resistant varieties adapted to southern conditions. They can cope with meager moisture reserves. However, as a rule, plants are watered after the surface layer beneath the roots has dried. Drip irrigation is used whenever possible, as this virtually eliminates the risk of overwatering. Corn is sensitive to stagnant water in the roots.
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Soil treatment
During the growing season, the row spacing is loosened 2-3 times. This procedure is performed after watering or precipitation. The hoe is inserted no more than 7 cm deep to avoid damaging the extensive root system. Weeds, which compete with crops for water and nutrients, are removed during this time. To slow moisture evaporation, the beds are mulched.
Top dressing
Two weeks after planting the seedlings, the corn is fertilized for the first time, using nitrogen-containing mineral fertilizers or organic matter. This macronutrient is responsible for the growth of the above-ground part and the development of roots, and is very important in the initial stages. Fertilize again after 15 days of planting. However, the proportion of phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer is increased, which increases productivity and improves the quality of the future harvest.
Protection from diseases and pests
The plants have excellent immunity. However, if cultivation practices are improper, corn is susceptible to fusarium wilt and root rot. These diseases can be treated by spraying with a fungicide solution. However, the latter should only be applied before grain formation. Aphids are a pest. Insecticides are effective. However, during periods when their use is prohibited, folk remedies such as garlic infusion are used.
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Helpful tips
For regions classified as moderately humid, nitrogen fertilizer is recommended to be applied by broadcasting, using granulated fertilizer. In dry conditions, this method is only feasible if applied during rainfall. This is because the varnish crop can only absorb the fertilizer if it dissolves in the soil moisture and is accessible to the plant roots.
Although the corn plot is prepared in the fall, it is recommended to close it in the spring to replenish moisture reserves. After the snow melts, the dug-up area is harrowed. Before actual field work, the plot is weeded or weeded with a soil herbicide. The latter is advisable for larger cultivation areas (not just one or two beds).
Growing strong plants and obtaining a bountiful corn harvest is possible even in regions with short, cool summers. The key is to time the seeding for seedlings correctly and follow proper agricultural practices for growing the grain crop.
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