Sweetcorn
Nothing beats the taste of freshly picked sweetcorn! A true summer treat, it needs a sunny, sheltered spot and reliable watering to thrive in the UK climate.
Sweetcorn seeds
£2.79 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – May, indoors in modules or direct sow in late May in warmer areas.
Plant out
Late May – early June, once all risk of frost has passed, into prepared beds.
Harvest
Late August – October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Requires consistent and plentiful water, especially during tasselling (flowering) and cob development. Never let it dry out.
Soil
Rich, deep, free-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
Plant in blocks of at least 9 plants, 45cm apart, to aid wind pollination.
Containers
Possible in very large, deep containers (min. 40cm diameter per plant), but best in the ground.
Indoors
Starts are best indoors for a head start, then plant out.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Apply a balanced granular feed at planting. Side dress with compost or liquid feed when cobs begin to form.
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove suckers only if they are clearly competing and weakening the main stem.
Harvesting
Check readiness by peeling back a little of the husk and piercing a kernel – milky liquid means it's ready. Pick by twisting the cob downwards.
Storage
Eat immediately after picking for best flavour. Can be refrigerated for a few days, or frozen once blanched.
Good companions: Squash, Beans (the 'Three Sisters'), Pumpkins, Potatoes