On the other hand, you can plant dry seeds, then water thoroughly. Space plants 8 to 10 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Closer spacing results in yield loss due to poorly filled ears. Water needs are greatest from tasseling to harvest, but do not neglect watering during the early stages of growth. Trickle or drip irrigation conserves moisture.
Corn requires a moderate amount of fertilization.
Then side-dress with the same fertilizer when plants are 8 inches tall and again when they reach 18 inches. A pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is best, but many areas of the state have pH over 7.0 and do not need lime. On light, sandy soils, clear plastic mulch will improve stands, conserve moisture, and produce earlier maturity. Corn seed is planted 10 to 20 days earlier by punching through the clear plastic mulch. Harvest sweet corn when the silks are brown and dry at the ear tip and the kernels are in the milk stage.