Q. I planted corn in my yard but the ears are small and malformed. A. Soil sterilization is an important necessity in South Florida with vegetable gardens because of nematodes and soil-borne disease. Plant selection is very important. The corn may also be suffering from poor cross-pollination. You need to plant a good amount of corn in a square or rectangle for good pollination and ear formation.
Corn is pollinated by the wind.
I suspect you may have some nutritional problems as well. Q. I am losing my zucchini to rot. A. Spray the plants with copper fungicide and repeat treatment in 10 days. They are usually set out in the garden in mid-October when the dry season normally starts. Add one-third perlite or vermiculite to the compost for good aeration and stability.