How to Place Corn Hybrids by Soils
- 1). Pick a spot that has full sun to plant the corn. This means the spot should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- 2). Water the chosen spot to see if the water drains. Poorly drained soil will gather water on the surface, making puddles that will sit longer than five minutes. If the water doesn't drain well, the soil will need to be mixed with compost, or a raised garden bed will be needed. Many hybrids do well in well-drained soils.
- 3). Turn over the soil about 6 inches deep with either a shovel or rototiller. If the soil is loose, fine, and sandy, plant early variety hybrids. If the soil doesn't look rich or have an earthy smell, mix compost with the soil before planting seeds.
- 4). Apply a thin layer of fertilizer to the soil. This will help restore nutrients to the soil, and provide enough for the cornstalk to properly grow.
- 5). If there is no rain, water the corn two to three times a week to keep the soil moist. The ground should be wet down to about 1 to 2 inches. It is important to avoid drought, since the lack of water during some growing stages can affect the growth of the corn ears. There is no variety of corn hybrid that can grow in dry soil.
- 6). Plan a crop rotation at the end of the growing season. It is recommended that you do not plant the same crop in the same place every year. Once the cornstalks die, clear the area, and apply compost to the top. Cold weather crops can be planted in the same area if fertilizer is added to restore nutrients.
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