Need Advice- Is it worth it to grow corn at home?

**checkerkitty** · 03-19-2011, 06:39 PM

For all of you more experienced gardeners out there, is it worth it to grow corn in the garden? We are putting in a 16 foot by 16 foot garden in the back yard. I've never grown corn but have some seeds left over from another garden. My MIL says corn is nasty and draws in too many bugs. But, I looovvvee fresh corn. So, what say you FV gardeners. Should I walk away or plant a row or so. I'll also be planting cukes, green beans, tomatoes, green onions, cantaloupe, and squash.

**mauimagic** · 03-19-2011, 06:44 PM

Have no answer for you, but remember when we lived in Iowa in the '50s and had a garden in the back yard with corn - best corn I ever had!! Hope it works for you!!

**checkerkitty** · 03-19-2011, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

Have no answer for you, but remember when we lived in Iowa in the '50s and had a garden in the back yard with corn - best corn I ever had!! Hope it works for you!!

See, that's what I'm thinking. Homegrown always tastes better. But if it brings in every bug known to man, it might not be worth it. I'm so torn!

**mauimagic** · 03-19-2011, 07:38 PM

Someone here will have the answer. Also remember those tomatoes as being the best too!!

**chowder** · 03-19-2011, 08:09 PM

We grow corn every year,enough to eat off the cob when its ready someto freeze for winter.As soon as its picked we husk,blanch,cut off the cob,lay on cookie sheets and when frozen,bag up.
We grow a block,plants about 4 inches apart,and rows about a foot apart in a square.We don't get bugs.

**Missy** · 03-19-2011, 09:24 PM

I don't notice them drawing in any more bugs than anything else, and if you can encourage some beneficial bugs in...well thye may even take care of them for you too. Corn earworms can be a problem, but there are ways to thwart them too...

here's info on what they look like: Corn Earworm

and here's a list of methods to keep them out of the corn that i use: Corn Earworm - Organic Pest Control

Neem oil is my spray of choice, it's natural and safe to use on veggies.

**pat in east texas** · 03-20-2011, 07:58 AM

It's your garden - grow what YOU want. If it fails, find out why and try again next year.

**Darlene** · 03-20-2011, 08:31 AM

Never works out well in our garden, ears are small and the plants take up too much real estate for that. Last time we grew it a heavy rain knocked it all down and that was the end of it.
They do make great Fall decorations though.

Hope you fare better.

**Contrary Housewife** · 03-20-2011, 10:09 AM

Have not grown much of it, you really need a lot if you're planning on eating it more than once. You get 1 or 2 ears per plant and it doesn't all come in at the same time. It'll be ready on one plant and not the other. Mine has never done real well. Also if you live someplace windy it get can knocked over if you only have one row because it has no support. Be careful of where it is going to leave a shadow and what you plant there.

Did not have a bug problem, but then I generally don't have bug problems.

**madhen** · 03-20-2011, 06:49 PM

I go back and forth on corn. I haven't grown it for years, because it takes up a LOT of garden space for very little yield. I also have access to fresh corn throughout the summer, because of the farmers' markets all over the place. But there is something satisfying about pulling that ear off the stalk. I would sometimes eat it raw, right off the stalk.

Corn doesn't draw in any more bugs than most plants, but it can seem so, and can be a bit more disgusting because the bugs go down through the silk and you don't see them until you pull back the leaves and expose the cob. If a borer or something has gotten in, you can find a slimy cob with a fat grub where your kernels ought to be.

**Russ** · 03-20-2011, 07:34 PM

I used to grow corn, but like others, I think it takes up too much room. When it is in season here, every road side stand has it at a reasonable price.

**Luckybustert** · 03-21-2011, 05:03 AM

I love fresh corn! This brought back memories of when we had some growing in our back yard when I was little. Good memories

**pinetree** · 03-21-2011, 12:40 PM

We usually dont grow it, but are trying some this year. We arent planting alot, it does take up room and needs alot of water. I dont get bugs on the corn either,

I would plant it if you want to, and enjoy every bite!

**Russ** · 03-21-2011, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by pinetree

, it does take up room and needs alot of water. I dont get bugs on the corn either,

It's a heavy feeder too, it takes a lot of nutrients.

**itlw8** · 03-21-2011, 02:37 PM

I have not had much luck. So I grew mostly tomatoes. Well tat was not really that wise. You need to rotate your crops. So this year one of the beds will have some corn.

a big storm always comes and knocks it down but I thought maybe is I made a trellis system with rebar kind of a grid they could not go far it it does happen. worth a try I will do bush beans after the corn and I have peas in that bed now just sprouting.

I am hoping rotation will solve my problems