Useful Tips for Growing Corn in Eastern Washington

Corn, a staple crop across the United States, can be grown successfully in eastern Washington with the right care and techniques. Eastern Washington has a diverse climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters, which makes it an ideal region for growing corn. Whether you’re a commercial farmer or a backyard gardener, this article will provide you with useful tips on growing corn in this region, focusing on soil preparation, planting, watering, pest management, and harvesting.

Understanding the Climate of Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington’s climate differs significantly from the western part of the state. It experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The region receives ample sunshine during the growing season, which is crucial for corn, a sun-loving crop. However, low rainfall means you’ll need to pay close attention to irrigation.

Corn requires a long growing season with warm temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 95°F during the day. Eastern Washington’s growing season typically spans from late May to early September, providing adequate time for most corn varieties to mature.

Selecting the Right Corn Varieties

Choosing the right corn variety is essential for success. Corn is generally categorized into three types: sweet corn, field corn, and ornamental corn. Each type serves a different purpose:

  1. Sweet Corn: This is the most popular type for home gardens. Sweet corn is grown for fresh consumption and comes in three main varieties:

    • Sugary (SU): The traditional sweet corn with a mild sweetness.
    • Sugar Enhanced (SE): Sweeter than SU varieties and retains sweetness longer after harvest.
    • Supersweet (Sh2): The sweetest variety, with a longer shelf life but requires more care in planting.

    Popular sweet corn varieties for eastern Washington include ‘Golden Jubilee,’ ‘Silver Queen,’ and ‘Peaches and Cream.’

  2. Field Corn: Primarily grown for livestock feed, processed food products, and ethanol production. It’s usually less sweet and has a tougher texture.

  3. Ornamental Corn: Often used for decoration, this corn is valued for its colorful kernels.

When selecting a variety, consider the length of the growing season and the days to maturity. In eastern Washington, aim for varieties that mature in 70-90 days to take full advantage of the growing season.

Preparing the Soil

Corn grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Soil preparation is key to a successful harvest:

  1. Soil Testing: Start with a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH. Corn is a heavy feeder, so it’s important to amend the soil with the right nutrients.

  2. Amending the Soil: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure. If your soil test shows a deficiency in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) before planting.

  3. Tilling and Aerating: Till the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches and remove any weeds or debris. Proper tilling ensures that roots can penetrate the soil deeply and access nutrients.

  4. Raised Beds and Rows: Corn can be planted in traditional rows or raised beds. Raised beds are beneficial if you have heavy clay soil, as they improve drainage.

Planting Corn in Eastern Washington

Corn is a warm-season crop that should be planted after the danger of frost has passed, usually around late May in eastern Washington. Here are some planting tips:

  1. Seed Spacing and Depth: Plant corn seeds 1-2 inches deep and space them 8-12 inches apart within the row. Rows should be spaced 30-36 inches apart to allow for sufficient air circulation and sunlight.

  2. Block Planting for Pollination: Corn is wind-pollinated, so planting in blocks (shorter rows grouped together) rather than single long rows improves pollination and results in fuller ears. Ideally, plant corn in blocks of at least four rows.

  3. Staggered Planting for Extended Harvest: To extend your harvest, plant corn every two weeks over a six-week period. This technique ensures that your corn ripens at different times, allowing for continuous harvests throughout the season.

  4. Germination Considerations: Soil temperature is critical for corn germination. Corn seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 60°F and 95°F. If planting early, consider using black plastic mulch to warm the soil.

Watering and Irrigation

Consistent watering is crucial for healthy corn growth. Corn requires about 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during critical growth stages like tasseling, silking, and kernel formation:

  1. Irrigation Systems: Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are ideal for watering corn because they deliver water directly to the roots without wetting the foliage, reducing the risk of disease. If you use overhead sprinklers, water in the morning to allow the plants to dry before evening.

  2. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature during the hot summer months.

  3. Avoid Water Stress: Corn is particularly sensitive to water stress during tasseling and ear formation. Inconsistent watering can lead to poor pollination and smaller ears. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during these critical periods.

Fertilization and Nutrition

Corn is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization for optimal growth:

  1. Side Dressing with Nitrogen: Corn plants benefit from additional nitrogen during the growing season. Side-dress the plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., urea or ammonium nitrate) when they are 12-18 inches tall and again when they reach knee height. Apply the fertilizer along the rows, about 6 inches away from the base of the plants.

  2. Foliar Feeding: If the plants show signs of nutrient deficiency (e.g., yellowing leaves), a foliar feed with liquid fertilizer can provide a quick boost.

  3. Organic Fertilizers: If you prefer organic methods, use compost tea or fish emulsion to supply nutrients. These natural fertilizers also improve soil health over time.

Pest and Disease Management

Corn is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can impact yield. The most common issues in eastern Washington include:

  1. Corn Earworms: These are the most common pests in corn. They burrow into the tips of the ears and feed on kernels. To prevent infestations, apply a few drops of mineral oil to the silks once they emerge, which can deter earworms.

  2. European Corn Borers: These pests tunnel into corn stalks, causing the plants to weaken and collapse. Regularly inspect your plants and remove any infected stems. Biological controls like beneficial nematodes can also help.

  3. Cutworms: These pests cut seedlings at the soil line. Place collars around young plants or use bait to manage cutworms.

  4. Fungal Diseases: Common fungal diseases include rust, smut, and leaf blight. To prevent these issues, practice crop rotation, space plants adequately, and avoid overhead watering. Removing infected plant debris at the end of the season also helps reduce the spread of fungal spores.

  5. Weed Control: Weeds compete with corn for nutrients and water. Keep the rows weed-free by using mulch, hand-weeding, or shallow cultivation. Be careful not to disturb the shallow roots of the corn when weeding.

Harvesting and Storage

Corn is typically ready to harvest 18-24 days after the silks appear. Here’s how to determine when your corn is ready:

  1. Check the Silks: The silks should be brown and dry, while the ears should be plump and firm.

  2. Milk Stage: Peel back the husk and pierce a kernel with your thumbnail. If the liquid is milky, the corn is at peak ripeness. If the liquid is clear, it needs more time.

  3. Harvesting Technique: To harvest, twist the ear downward and pull it away from the stalk. Be sure to pick the corn as soon as it’s ripe because the sugars quickly convert to starch, diminishing the sweetness.

  4. Storing Corn: Sweet corn is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, blanch and freeze the kernels.

Conclusion

Growing corn in eastern Washington can be highly rewarding with the right approach. By selecting appropriate varieties, preparing your soil carefully, providing consistent water and nutrients, and managing pests and diseases, you can achieve a bountiful harvest. The key to success lies in understanding your local climate and adjusting your care practices accordingly. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious homegrown corn from your garden. Happy gardening!