Everyone loves to boil and eat fresh, flavorful corn on the cob on a hot summer day. In addition, it can be frozen and enjoyed in winter. And although corn requires a lot of space in the garden, it is so difficult to refuse planting it due to its excellent taste and nutrition.

I love corn very much and have always bought it at the market. But, now, I think more and more about what I eat. And a plant grown on fertilizers, treated with chemicals from pests, does not inspire much confidence in me. Therefore, I grow the "queen of the fields" in my garden and share my experience with you.

How to grow corn in the country?

Growing corn is an interesting and fairly simple business. The main thing is to make sure before sowing the seeds in the ground that there will be no more frost. You need to wait until the temperature of the soil warms up and reaches a minimum of 15 degrees. Otherwise, our seedlings will “thin out” great)

Corn likes to grow in an open sunny place. In the shade, it won't produce as much corn as we would like.

The soil should be well-drained, fertilized. This will greatly increase the yield. Good soil preparation is very important.

Rules for planting corn in the ground

1. Distance between rows is at least 60 cm.
2. Between plants at least 20 cm.
3. The depth of planting seeds is 5-6 cm.
4. Mulch will help keep your seedlings free of weeds and keep moisture in the soil during the hot summer months.

How long does corn grow?

There are many different varieties of corn with different maturities: 60 days, 70 days, or 90 days. To enjoy cobs longer, you can plant several types of corn that ripen at different times. Or, plant one type of corn with a period of 10-14 days, and you will also have a constant crop.

Corn varieties

There are many varieties of corn. For me, the main difference in corn is that one is field and the other is garden. The first, less sweet than the one we grow in the country. Sadovaya is called sweet and super-sweet. Field, traditional corn is very fragrant, with dense grains and large cobs. Sweet corn is softer and has a pleasant sweet taste.

My choice this year: Sweet corn F1 Anava; Corn Sugar F1 Madonna; Corn Sugar and Air.

Corn F1 Anava sugar.

Early maturing, very sweet. Ripening period 80-90 days. Plant height 1.5 m. Cobs are large, up to 30 cm. Grains are yellow, large, very sweet.

Corn Madonna F1 (sugar)

Sugar, early corn hybrid Madonna F1 is a favorite treat for children. Ripening period 80-90 days. Plant height: 1.7-1.9 m. Cobs are dense, small: 18-20 cm. There are many cobs on the plant, this is the value of this variety. Cobs and grains are large, yellow, dense. Disease and drought resistant. Long stored. Suitable for canning and freezing.

sweet corn

Early maturing variety. Ripening period 82-89 days. Height 1.4 m. Cobs 14-18 cm. Grains are sweet, bright yellow with a high content of carotene. Highly resistant to disease and drought.

Corn Popcorn Puffed

Early maturing variety. Ripening period 75-85 days. Plant height 1.6-1.8 m. Cobs small 14-16 cm. Weight 250-300 grams. The grains are small light yellow. Very tasty. Requires abundant watering.

You have noticed that the seeds from the company Sedek are dyed red. What is it for? It turns out that in order to increase the yield of crops, as chelate fertilizers, macro and microelements and fungicides are added to the paint. And in order to know that these are quality seeds.

Planting corn for seedlings

This year I decided to plant corn for seedlings. Wanted to see what would happen. Yes and get corn harvest 3-4 weeks earlier I really want to.

I bought a mini-greenhouse, soil for seedlings and seeds.

I poured soil into the cells by 2/3 and moistened with water. Before that, I soaked the seeds in water of 25 degrees for 12 hours. The grains swell, and this accelerates germination.

She put the grains in the ground, sprinkled them with earth, poured them from a spray bottle, first covered them with a film, and on top with a transparent lid and put them on the windowsill to their future neighbors in the garden: petunias, strawberries, basil, ageratum and balsam.)

It remains to wait for shoots in 2 weeks.

It looks like the early spring also affected the corn.) It did not rise in two weeks, as usual, but in 5 days!!! And it grows very fast. In two days it has grown by 3-4 cm. So, large, strong plants will have to be planted in the ground. Let's see what happens.

Harvesting corn

Doing it is easy and simple! Each stalk of corn should produce at least one ear of corn that is ready to eat 20 days after you see the first signs of an ear. But The main sign that corn is ripe is dry and darkened fibers on the cob.

In order to pluck it, you just need to grab the cob, twist it and pull it down. After that, it is quite possible that another corn will grow on the plant, but it will ripen at a later date.

It is best to collect cobs early in the morning and only as much as you can eat in a day. I do this: I put water on the stove and only then go for corn. It seems to me that the less time between harvesting and boiling, the more tender and aromatic the beans.

The best way to store fresh corn is in the refrigerator, where it can keep for up to a week. If you have a large crop, then it is better to freeze it.

After the entire crop is harvested, the stems can be left to green, cut and discarded, but it is better to cut and put them in a compost pit.

By the way, corn has not only tasty grains, but very healthy fibers, corn stigmas growing on the cob. They are brewed as tea for problems with the gallbladder and liver. There is also information that the infusion of corn stigmas promotes weight loss.

Why does corn have no kernels?

Sometimes it happens that magnificent, large cobs have grown, and on closer inspection they have no grains at all. Why? It's simple: no pollination, no seeds! In other words, each female seed must be fertilized with pollen from the male part of the plant, the tufts at the top of the plant.

If you haven't planted enough plants to cross-pollinate, if it's been windless for a long time, or if you don't have enough insects or bees in your yard, then you need to help the plant through the pollination process.

We take a brush for painting in hand and go to pollinate! To do this, you need to hold her on the male flower and then touch the corn stigmas (female organ).

Unfortunately, in the country, there is no way to grow as much corn as in the field, so manual pollination is almost a necessity.

The ideal time for hand pollination is between 9:00 am and 11:00 am, after the morning dew has dried. In cloudy or rainy weather, this is not necessary.

How to cook corn?

• Peel the cobs from the green shell.
• Dip them in salted boiling water.

If the corn is milky and fresh, it is enough to cook it for 5 minutes. If ripped off a few days ago, 10 minutes. Overripe corn (milk juice is not visible when the grain is punctured) is cooked longer, up to 30 minutes. Similarly, you can cook corn in a double boiler, oven and pressure cooker.

Important: Remember that the most delicious corn is just picked. With each subsequent day of storage, the amount of sugar in the grains decreases, and the amount of starch increases.

I like it the most grilled corn. You need to slightly bend the green leaves. Don't tear off at all. Remove fibers, drizzle with vegetable oil, cover the cob back with leaves and secure with aluminum foil. Place corn on hot grill and turn occasionally until slightly charred. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Then let the cob cool slightly and remove the leaves. Grilled corn is ready.

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Nikolai Nadtochaev

The timing of sowing significantly affects the field germination of seeds, on which the yield largely depends. The adaptation of corn to the cold made it possible to shift these dates by more early time. However, early sowing should be approached with caution, given the likelihood of frost. Productivity also depends on the friendliness of seedlings with a given plant density. To get them, you need to carefully adjust the planter for the desired seeding rate, seeding depth and optimal soil compaction, providing good contact and pulling moisture to the seeds.

Don't miss the deadline

In the 50s of the last century best time for sowing corn in the southern regions was the first decade of May, in the central - the beginning of the second decade and northern - the end of the second - the beginning of the third decade of May. In those years, varieties and hybrids were demanding of heat and on sandy loamy soil in the third decade of April they sprouted only 25-35% in 25-30 days. The best indicators of field germination of seeds (up to 76%) were noted during sowing in mid-May in the southern part of the republic and in the third decade of the month - in the northern part.

Now you can sow corn 2-3 decades earlier. Modern early hybrids, especially those selected in latitudes closer to the north (Belarus, Germany, etc.), are relatively resistant to cold. Their seeds almost completely sprout in the field even with a lack of heat, in contrast to late-ripening hybrids of southern origin, primarily dentate forms. This is important to consider in order to avoid sparse sowing at early sowing dates. True, sometimes the seeds of cold-resistant hybrids, despite the high laboratory germination, determined by warm germination, do not germinate well with a lack of heat and high soil moisture. This indicates their infection with pathogens, which can be checked in the laboratory by cold germination.

Since ancient times, corn growers have associated sowing with phenological (studying seasonal phenomena in nature) observations. They spent it during the cherry blossoms, at the beginning of the blossoming of the apple tree. However, the development of more cold-resistant hybrids made it possible to start sowing a little earlier - when bird cherry and even gooseberries bloom.

Healthy seeds with high laboratory germination (96% or more) throughout the republic can be sown at the end of the second - third decade of April. Each day of delay in sowing leads to a shortage of grain up to 1 c/ha and an increase in its moisture content by 0.3-0.5%. We emphasize that early sowing is the most effective way to reduce the moisture content of corn grain. Then, in descending order, follow: the placement of corn crops on light sandy and sandy soils, the choice of early-ripening hybrids and the optimal plant density.

Sowing, carried out 10-14 days earlier than the May dates, allows to reduce grain moisture by an average of 5.2%. In cold years, the difference is 4.6-8.0, and in warm years - 2.1-4.1%. The placement of corn on light soils makes it possible not only to sow early (in the third decade of April), but also to contribute to a better development of plants. With the same sowing time, the moisture content of corn grain for harvesting on sandy loamy soil is 4.9% less than on loamy soil.

The next most important factor in reducing grain moisture is the choice of the most early-ripening hybrids. Every 10 additional units of FAO increase grain moisture by 0.8%. Finally, each subsequent increase in the density of corn stalks per 10 thousand plants in excess of 90 thousand/ha leads to an increase in grain moisture content by 0.4%. Meanwhile, in our experiments, the study of various growth stimulants (zeastimulin, emistim C, humistim, ecosil, hydrohumate, etc.) did not lead to any noticeable acceleration of plant development and a decrease in grain moisture. Drying plants with glyphosate-containing preparations also did not become an effective method for reducing grain moisture, although the corn leafy mass dried out significantly.

In the northern zone, thermal resources are limited, so early sowing dates are more important there than in the southern zone. Placement of corn on light soils, allowing for early (in the third decade of April) sowing, in the northern part of Belarus is a direct path to success. In the southern regions, especially in farms located on poor soils, the sowing time can be extended up to one month. This will make it possible to reduce crop shortages in the event of a drought during a critical period.

First of all, corn is sown, intended for harvesting for grain. Early sowing is especially beneficial in cold years (Table 1).

Sowing for silage usually starts with early-ripening hybrids and ends with later-ripening ones, but in such a way that by harvesting at the end of September the latter have reached at least milky-wax ripeness of the grain. For corn crops (after harvesting winter crops for green fodder), early-ripening hybrids are used.

Sowing begins in April after well-established warm sunny days. Despite the attractiveness of the early sowing period, it must be approached carefully so as not to expose the seedlings to May frosts, which are especially dangerous in the first decade of the month. Therefore, in areas where frosts are often observed during this period, sowing should not be carried out earlier than the third decade of April. On mineral soils, the optimal duration of sowing is about 10 days in the northern half of Belarus and 15-20 days in the southern. If corn is placed after winter crops harvested for green fodder on peat-bog soils, as well as in the south of the republic, then sowing is carried out in the second half of May and can continue until the middle of the third decade of the month. Later sowing dates are in most cases ineffective due to the low yield of cobs and leafy mass.

Spread evenly and cover well

Numerous experiments in our country have established that the optimal density of corn plants when cultivated for grain is 75-90, and for silage - 90-120 thousand/ha. A higher value of stem density is applicable for early maturing hybrids, as well as when growing corn on highly fertile soils. The insurance premium for seeds to the planned plant density for standard seeds is set in the range of 5-25%. Healthy seeds of early maturing hybrids with high sowing qualities, sown under favorable weather conditions, require a minimum insurance premium. Reduced laboratory germination, infection of seeds with diseases, late ripening of a hybrid, especially with a tooth-shaped grain, sowing in insufficiently warmed soil - these are the conditions under which the insurance premium should be increased.

If there are wireworm larvae in the soil, the seeds are treated with insecticides or drugs are applied during sowing. It should be remembered that preparations do not provide 100% plant protection, therefore, the insurance premium for seeds in fields heavily populated with wireworms must be increased. This should also be done if it is planned to carry out harrowing and inter-row cultivation. In general, the definition of an insurance premium is − difficult task which requires a creative approach from a specialist.

Having decided on the desired plant density for harvesting and the amount of the insurance premium, having calculated the required seeding rate, they proceed to install the seeder. In pneumatic seeders, the vacuum in the meter is controlled so that the seeds are sucked onto all the holes in the disc. The seed ejectors are then adjusted to ensure that no more than one seed is captured per hole in the seed disc.

In the process of sowing, the speed of the seeder is monitored. The low speed ensures a more uniform and complete seed distribution in the row. First of all, this applies to pneumatic seeders that have been in operation for a long time. For most units, the optimal speed is 5-7 km / h, although today seeders have been developed that can perform high-quality sowing at twice the speed.

The depth of seed placement depends on the timing of sowing, the mechanical composition and soil moisture, the weight of the seeds, and the planned care of the crops. With early sowing, shallow incorporation has the advantage, provided that the seeds lie on a dense bed in a wet layer. Such sowing is carried out only by special precision corn seeders, increasing the field germination of seeds by 5-10% (Table 2). They can be planted 2-3 cm (pre-emergence harrowing is excluded), which is especially important for small seeds with a weight of 1,000 grains less than 200 g. With the optimal sowing time and drying of the top soil layer, the planting depth is increased to 5-7 cm on light soils and up to 3-5 cm - on loamy. The seed coulter must provide a firm bed, uniform furrow depth and good seed coverage with soil, which is then compacted by rollers.

If the seeder can apply fertilizer, it is best to use granular superphosphate and ammophos, which are applied 2-5 cm away from the row and 2-3 cm deeper than the seeds. The more acidic the soil, the greater the distance should be from the seeds to the fertilizer application zone, since superphosphate has the ability to acidify the soil solution, which, in direct contact with the seeds, can reduce their field germination and seedling uniformity.

There has been a debate among agronomists for decades about the need to germinate corn seeds before planting. Some say that corn is a rather unpretentious plant, and nothing of the kind needs to be done. Unsprouted seeds planted in the soil germinate well. Others, on the contrary, argue that the germination of seeds directly affects not only the germination of the crop, but also its quality and quantity. Let's take a closer look at everything. So how do you germinate corn seeds? And what does it give?

The most dangerous and difficult period of plant development is the pre-emergence period. In corn, it is from 16 to 25 days. It all depends on the characteristics of the variety. With the climate constantly changing, the nights getting colder and the days hotter, there is a risk that most of the planted corn seeds that have previously germinated will be wasted. Why is it so? This is because the seeds planted in the prepared soil will not receive enough moisture during the day for the growth of the shoot, because. the sun dries out the top layers of the soil. And at night, the soil cools down greatly, not having time to warm up. Weak corn seeds in such conditions will not give a healthy shoot. With this in mind, let's look at the other side.

Let's look at the positive outcome of the entire corn crop, which promises seed germination:

• Seeds that have pecked and released roots are easier to sort by removing spoiled ones. This way you can choose the strongest seeds.
• By planting germinated seeds in the soil, you can be sure of the full germination of all the sown material.
• All sprouts germinate at almost the same time. They have the same size, respectively, and they will develop together.
• Taking into account one stage of plant growth, the care of young sprouts is simplified. They all need the same care.

And now about how to germinate corn seeds. In order to germinate corn kernels, they can first be treated with a growth stimulator or a weak solution of manganese. After that, place in clean water. However, the water should not completely cover all the seeds. The most convenient way would be a glass container or a plastic bowl with a lid, in which a cotton cloth is placed, abundantly moistened with water. The temperature should be kept within 10-12°C. Regular airing of the container is necessary for easy access of oxygen. The fabric should not dry out even for a while. This will destroy the seeds. After the seeds have hatched, they must be immediately planted in the prepared soil.

How to grow corn from seed

Corn is one of the most popular crops in the garden, which is grown by many farmers and gardeners. It is not only a tasty addition to salads, but also an excellent food for animals. Planting corn outdoors with seeds is a great way to get your hands on this unique product. Growing corn in the open field begins with the selection of a crop variety. Before planting corn, you need to know exactly which of the many varieties is best to grow. In this article we will talk about varieties of corn, about the rules for planting corn with seeds.

Corn is a member of the Cereal family, or Bluegrass. It's an annual herbaceous plant, which came to our territory from Mexico. Maize is the name of a genus whose representative is one plant with the same name - corn. The plant can reach 3 m in height, and some species can grow up to 6 m. An upright rod develops from a well-developed root system. Corn differs from other cereals also in the structure of the core, which is not hollow. The leaves are large, with a solid edge and horizontal veins. The leaves are light green in color and grow up to 10 cm wide. The height of one leaf is about 1 m. From the outside, the leaves are slightly pubescent. On one stem can be located from 12 to 23 leaves. The fruit of corn is a grain, which may vary in color and size depending on the variety.

Corn seeds are sown in early May, after germinating them for 5-7 days in a damp cloth or filter paper with room temperature. 3-4 corn grains are placed in pots, two in cells. The seeds are deepened by 3-4 cm, after which the soil is moistened with a warm solution of 4 g of Fundazol in 10 liters of water and the crops are transferred to a sunny windowsill with an eastern or southeastern exposure.

The best varieties of corn

Sweet corn is the most popular and beloved, especially during its milky-wax ripeness; a tasty ingredient in many salads, it is the basis of many high-yielding hybrids. Upon reaching full maturity, corn accumulates a significant amount of sugars. The surface of the grains is wrinkled, they themselves are vitreous in section. Sweet corn is successfully used in the canning industry. The most popular and popular varieties of sugar corn are Ice Nectar, Early Golden 401, Spirit, Lakomka 121, Dobrynya, Sundance.

It is important to properly prepare the seed. Only the largest grain should be selected, without damage. It is from him that the best harvest is obtained. Seeds should be checked for germination - placed in a 5% saline solution for 5 minutes. Floated grain is not suitable for planting on a personal plot. The grains that have settled to the bottom must be thoroughly washed and dried.

The next stage in the preparation of grains is dressing, which helps protect the crop from most diseases. This can be done using a powder pesticide (3-8 g of the TMTD preparation per 1 kg of grains) or a solution of potassium permanganate (5 g of potassium permanganate is dissolved in 1 liter of water). You can also use hydrogen peroxide, which is heated to 50 ° C, and then the grains are left in it for 7 minutes.

Disinfection can be carried out using hydrothermal treatment. According to this method, for 20 minutes, the grain is first immersed in hot water(temperature up to 50 ° C), and then into the cold.

First of all, make a markup for landing. There should be about 45-50 cm of distance between the holes so that the root system of each plant does not interfere with the development of its neighbors. There should be at least 4 beds nearby to provide plants with good cross-pollination. Grain is placed in a pre-moistened hole, 2-3 pieces at a time, for reliability to a depth of up to 3 cm. The holes are re-moistened, and then covered with a film until the first shoots appear.

If you need an early harvest, then the grain is sown in the middle or at the end of April to a depth of 4-5 cm. The planting pattern is the same as in normal cultivation. You can also grow low-growing varieties in a greenhouse, then the crop is ready for planting from the beginning of April, as soon as the air temperature is evenly warm. Remember that manual sowing is only possible on small areas, for a large space, you will need a corn planter.

Despite the fact that the plant is highly resistant to drought, a good harvest of juicy fruits can only be obtained by providing it with moisture. Abundant watering is required at a phase of 9 leaves, the next - during flowering, then during the pouring of the grain.

In order for additional roots to appear on the plant, the soil between the rows should be loosened after each watering or rain. The first time this is done before the emergence of seedlings. In this case, loosening is carried out to a depth of no more than 4 cm, so as not to damage the germinated seeds.

The technology of corn cultivation has its own characteristics. Tall stems growing in a windy area need a garter. In addition, it is necessary to remove developing stepchildren, leaving no more than three cobs on one stem.

Growing corn in the country is impossible without the timely application of top dressing. The first is carried out with a concentrated solution of Lignohumate. It is diluted at the rate of 2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water. One liter of solution is applied per plant. When the first panicles appear, the next feeding is carried out. A solution is prepared for it - 15 g of ammonium nitrate, 20 g of potassium, 40 g of superphosphate are diluted in 10 liters of water. During the ripening of the cobs, top dressing is carried out using liquid fertilizer - Agricola-Vegeta solution.

Harvesting corn

The time for harvesting corn depends not only on the varieties planted, but also on its purpose - on the purpose for which it is cultivated. Corn is harvested for cooking and for making popcorn, for grain, and for silage, by hand or by a combine. At the same time, different levels of ripeness of the culture are taken into account. Harvesting corn is hard work. If it is not harvested correctly, you can lose a significant part of the crop.

Harvesting of sweet corn begins when it reaches milky ripeness. Cobs are removed selectively, as they ripen, the signs of which are easy to determine visually:

• drying of the outer layer of the cob wrap;
• changing the color of the wrapper to light green;
• browning and drying of the threads at the edges of the ears;
• secretion of milky juice from grains when pressed with a fingernail;
• the presence in the cob of smooth yellow grains, closed in dense rows, without any dents, spots and wrinkles.

You should not linger with the collection of milk corn - this leads to the loss of part of the taste and nutritional qualities. Overheated corn grains are wrinkled and poorly boiled during heat treatment. The main indicator of the state of grain corn is its moisture content. It is she who should determine the beginning of harvesting, intended for storage for food and technical purposes. Neither drying of the leaves, nor yellowing of the cob wraps are criteria for assessing the degree of grain ripening.

Knowing all the intricacies of how to grow corn seeds on suburban area With maximum effort and care, you can get an excellent harvest of sweet, juicy, unusually tasty fruits.

The benefits and harms of germinated corn and how to germinate it at home

Germinated corn is a rare and little-known product to a wide range of consumers, but it is well known to farmers. The bottom line is that the cereal is subjected to preplant germination to improve seedling characteristics. In addition to food consumption and the sowing campaign, germinated corn is also used in the household for feeding poultry.

From this article you will learn:

The germination of cereals allows under artificial conditions to activate the natural stage of seed development, at which a seedling appears on it. In the natural environment, this is required for the formation of a plant shoot. The process developed by evolution leads to the transformation of useful substances embedded in the grain, due to which they are more easily processed and transported to the sprout. In short, complex fats are converted into fatty acid with a simple structure, and complex carbohydrate compounds break down into sugars, etc.

How to germinate corn at home

It is advisable to germinate corn:

• V agriculture when preparing seed material for sowing;
• in the household for feeding chickens and other poultry with cereals with an enriched composition;
• in the production of alcohol for the fermentation of alcohol, moonshine (bourbon can be made from corn);
• for eating.

Germinated corn as a food product is most in demand among supporters of a raw food diet. Therefore, the most in-depth information on this topic can be found on the relevant sites and forums, in the discussions of community members. However, the forums do not give answers to many questions, since raw foodists eat wheat, rye, oats, rice and other cereals more actively. The "ideologists" of corn sprouting have to draw conclusions based solely on their own experience.

One way or another, the technique of germinating the "queen of the fields" is widely known, due to the constant use in the household. And since nothing is used in the process but water and the grains themselves, you can germinate corn into your own diet in a similar way.

Much more grain is germinated for feeding chickens than for eating. The fact is that the product quickly deteriorates and it is advisable to prepare small portions, designed for 1-2 doses. So, the germination of corn is carried out as follows:

1. Dry grain is poured into a basin, moved and washed. The first water with floating debris and grains is drained.
2. The washed grains are poured with warm water (up to +80˚C) to a level 2 fingers above the top layer and soaked for a period of not more than 12 hours.
3. Corn is washed several times with running water and transferred to a prepared tray with holes for draining excess water. It is convenient to make them along one of the edges of the tray and place it at an angle. This will keep the environment moist but avoid product fermentation.
4. Grains need to be distributed along the bottom of the tray in an even layer up to 5 cm in height. In dry and hot rooms, the top layer of corn can dry out, so it is best to cover it with damp gauze or film.
5. Watering is carried out twice a day, ensuring wetting of the entire layer of grains.
6. Usually on the third day sprouts hatch. Watering should be continued without standing water so that the grains do not begin to mold. Germination occurs at a temperature of +5˚C, but things will go much faster at +15-+20˚C.

When the sprouts reach a length of 0.5-2 cm, the grain contains maximum amount useful substances. Therefore, it is recommended to use it and give it to the bird in this form. However, it is not forbidden to grow wheat further, bringing the length of the sprouts up to 10 cm. The concentration of nutrients in this case will be lower, but the juicy green mass will be an excellent vitamin supplement to salads. Birds and goats, by the way, also do not mind eating sprouted greens.

The method of germinating corn seeds for good germination is described in an article about how and when to plant corn

The germination of food cereals in Russia is only gaining momentum and the most popular raw materials so far are wheat, rye, oats, rice, barley and other crops. Germinated corn grains, despite being on the periphery, are no less useful for nutrition. Distinctive feature germinated corn grains is high in plant hormones, identical to some of those needed by the human body.

The beneficial properties of germinated corn grains are the most active among all similar cereal products:

• Vitamins of group B are deservedly considered the sources of beauty of the skin, hair and nails. But besides this, they are closely involved in the process of energy production and metabolism. This group of nutrients is involved in hematopoiesis, stabilization of the nervous system, and prevention of aging.
• Sprouting corn increases the content of vitamin E or tocopherol. It is one of the key antioxidants actively involved in the process of preventing aging and protecting the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. In addition, tocopherol has a positive effect on reproductive functions, the state of the central nervous system, the functioning of the brain and the cardiovascular system.
• Vitamin A, which is also part of sprouted corn, helps to improve the visual apparatus, strengthen immunity, improve digestion and lung function.
• The presence of selenium in the composition of sweet corn grains indicates an increased anti-cancer properties of the product. Selenium together with other antioxidants (ascorbic acid, tocopherol, beta-carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, anthocyanins) prevents the activity of free radicals.
• Copper and iron improve the transport of oxygen in the body, improve the condition of blood vessels, and contribute to the establishment of a heart rhythm.

In addition to the listed nutrients, germinated corn contains many other useful substances in small quantities: vitamins PP, H, manganese, silicon, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium.

No less important is the fact that the food base of the product is in an easily digestible form. In fact, this suggests that the body spends less effort processing them, since it does not need to break down fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into sugars.

There are no characteristic contraindications for corn sprouts, although they can worsen the state of health. Most often this occurs with digestive disorders. A high-fiber food that normally stimulates intestinal motility can stop it. To avoid such a situation, you need to consult with a specialized doctor before eating, and add germinated corn to the diet gradually. It is also believed that germinated cereals do not combine well with beekeeping products and dairy foods.

Natural products from the world's best manufacturers

Pumpkin seed oil is a product available for our latitudes and rich in useful substances. His polo

Samuel R. Aldrich, Distinguished Professor of Soil Fertility in the Department of Agricultural Extension at the University of Illinois

Walter O. Scott, Distinguished Professor of Crop Science in the Department of Agricultural Extension at the University of Illinois

Robert J. Hoeft, Professor of Soil Fertility in the Department of Agricultural Extension at the University of Illinois

In the United States, the culture and technology of growing corn was decades ahead of the world average, due both to the specifics of the country and its economy, climate and soils, and to what we call “smart approach”.

This experience is quite applicable in the Ukrainian expanses. The sections of the book offered to readers of the Zerno magazine will help to arm themselves with the secrets of the outstanding farmers of our time and reach a new level of professionalism.

Planting earlier is the single best opportunity for most corn growers to further increase their yields. Despite impressive scientific research, most farmers fail to take full advantage of early planting opportunities. If it turns out that warm, dry weather sets in two or three weeks before the usual sowing date, they don't take the planter.

Why are farmers so unsure about whether or not to recognize early or extra early sowing? Apparently because:

• they misinterpret published scientific evidence;
• they love it when corn sprouts quickly, forming a beautiful grass stand;
• they remembered the bad experience of early sowing.

The issue of early seeding is so important, and some facets of it so misunderstood, that it is worth considering in detail.

First, consider why early planting usually results in higher yields.

Why sow early?

• The corn plant develops better and has a higher potential yield when its growing season occurs during the cooler, wet season of May and June.
• Earlier planting results in tassel dropping and pistillate shaping earlier than risk of adverse effects of moisture and drought.
• Formerly seeded fields have a deeper root system by the end of June or beginning of July and thus are more likely to have more subsoil moisture available to them by the time the dry period sets in. This, of course, will not help in cases where the subsoil is dry.
• The earlier the corn shoots the pistillate columns, the more solar energy it receives during the development of the grain (see Figure 1).
• Early sown corn is usually shorter, has a lower head height and is less prone to lodging. Therefore, you can additionally get from 2000 to 3000 seedlings per acre (4942-7413 per hectare). To achieve this result, you should sow an additional 24 to 25 hundred seeds per acre (5814-8721 per hectare).
• Early planting of the right hybrids leads to earlier maturation and therefore easier, more efficient harvesting, less damage from early frost and less risk of damage from breakage and harvesting in bad weather.
• Early ripening means less drying costs, a factor that may become even more important in the future.
• If your circumstances permit, early ripening and early harvest give you better chances for fall tillage.

How to determine the correct sowing date?

Obviously part of the answer depends on where you grow your corn. In South Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi, early March or even late February is a good time to sow early. In the corn belt, the soil sometimes freezes until mid-March or early April. In the central part of the corn belt, soils can warm up in some years, are workable and are ready for sowing in mid-April. What should you do in such years? In Figure 2, select the most appropriate date to start sowing. If you choose May 1, you have misunderstood the scheme. Such a decision would only be correct if you were sure that the weather would be perfect for sowing, and you could sow your entire area in one day.

Because the yield lost due to planting too early (column one) is less than that due to planting the same amount of time later than the optimum date (column three), you would need to be 60% planted by the optimum date.

There is another reason why the optimal sowing date is earlier than indicated in scientific studies. Researchers have a constant number of plants per day of testing, while you can grow 2000-3000 more plants per acre (4942-7413 plants per hectare) when you sow early.

Conditions vary from year to year, but after April 10-15 planting can begin in the central corn belt if the soil is dry enough to withstand seed bed preparation and planting equipment. When the soil can be cultivated and corn can be sown, for example, on April 15, it is better to start planting than to wait a few more days on the calendar. When you deliberately delay planting for a week, there is no guarantee that the weather will not force you to postpone it for another one, two or three weeks!

It can turn out well if you try to carry out super-early sowing. It makes sense to plant 25% of your corn area at least two weeks in advance and 10% three weeks before the normal planting time for that zone.

• The average yield reduction due to planting corn 10 days earlier is less than from planting 10 days late.
• Having some ultra-early corn planted further postpones the risk of exposure to adverse weather during the important stalk-tossing period.
• There is always some marginal cost advantage to early-harvested corn in the fall.

Risk associated with too early sowing

The risks associated with early sowing include:

a) poor germination due to cold wet weather,

b) weed problems due to soil too wet for cultivation, c) threat of frost.

The threat of frost is actually much less than most farmers imagine. In experiments conducted in Michigan, the earliest planting was exposed to frost for several years, but the yield was almost the same as the second, but more than the third. Leaves that were apical when frozen soon become posterior and are destined to be shaded by those leaves that develop later. In addition, they usually break off when the trunk begins to grow.

The weed problem can be largely solved by right choice herbicides. The damage from poor germination due to cold weather, wet soil is real, but much less than it was 30 years ago due to the significant cold tolerance of today's hybrids and modern seed treatments that protect against cold.

Moreover, poor emergence can be corrected by re-seeding. At the same time, its cost will consist of the cost of seeds and the sowing operation itself. In a sense, extra early planting is like an insurance program, because you still have the option of correcting poor seedlings by planting on time if the first planting is not satisfactory.

In the days when farmers harvested their own seeds and sown them untreated, early planting could lead to problems with germination and emergence. It is possible to sow too early now, but what might have been too early thirty years ago is now ideal. Modern hybrids are bred to be resistant to soil-borne diseases and cold. They are viable enough to start developing even in adverse conditions. This is especially true of the latest hybrids bred for the northern zones. Careful harvesting, drying and special processing lead to high quality seeds. Perhaps most importantly, all commercial seed is thoroughly treated with fungicides, and this provides excellent protection against seedling diseases and soil-borne fungi. Soil treatment with insecticides also protects seedlings in early spring. High quality modern seed corn can be exposed to unfavorable conditions for a week or more and still thrive. So, if you sow early, you can have big benefits and little risk.

Sowing in accordance with the temperature indicators of the soil

Most varieties of corn will not sprout at all if the soil temperature is 5⁰F (10⁰C) or colder. Even at 55⁰F (13⁰C) germination remains slow. By the time the soil warms up to 60⁰F (15.5⁰C), germination is fast and seedlings will be above the ground 7-10 days after planting. Sow according to thermometer readings in early spring, but after the normal sowing date, sow even if the soil temperature is still colder than desired. It may sound too simple and straightforward, but in practice it is not.

If you are not monitoring the temperature with a thermometer, you may not know that during the day the temperature at a depth of 2 inches (5 cm) can vary from 10 to 15⁰F (5.5 to 8⁰C).

Air temperature does not affect the temperature of the ground at a depth of 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) in much the same way as the amount of sunlight. The soil warms up quickly on a clear day, even though the air is cool.

Every farmer should have a thermometer that can measure soil temperature.

Soil moisture, soil color, and the type of cover or amount of crop residue on the surface affect the rate at which the soil heats up. You probably shouldn't be guided by the temperatures given by your local radio or TV station, as they are usually measured under the turf. Under bare ground, midday temperatures are often 8-10⁰F (4.4-5.5⁰C) warmer. After sunset, temperatures drop faster in bare ground than in ground under turf or plant debris.

When to measure the temperature - that's the problem. As a sensitive benchmark for corn, for example, 50⁰ (10⁰C) at planting depth from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm or 55⁰F (13⁰C) at 13:00 on a clear day can be acceptable. This ensures that the right temperature remains for several hours during the daytime for the corn to sprout and grow. There are usually short periods of stunted or no growth in the spring, but they are rarely long enough to cause serious disease damage.

How deep to sow?

Years of experience from farmers in your area is often the best guide for average conditions. It is necessary to take into account the difference in soil composition, geographical conditions, changing temperatures and the possibility of soil dryness during planting time. For typical corn belt conditions with wet soil and an average sowing date, a depth of 2 inches (5 cm) is ideal.

Many farmers plant at least two inches (2.5 cm) deeper than they need to with sufficient moisture. Here are a few points to consider a non-standard situation.

When planting very early, sow to a depth that is 0.5-1 inch (2.5-5 cm) shallower than usual, as cool soil is dangerous for rapid germination. The temperature will be higher at a depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) than at a depth of 3 inches (7.5 cm) or more. In addition, there is less chance that the seed bed will be dry when planting early.

In dry soil, try to lower the grains down to moisture, even if you have to go down to a depth of 3-3.5 inches (7.5-8.8 cm) in clay soils, 4-4.5 inches (10-11.25 cm ) - on muddy and 5 inches (12.5 cm) - on sands.

"Calendarization" of sowing corn

Even with modern high-performance agricultural machinery, most corn farmers cannot sow their entire area in 1-2 days. If a farmer grows several hybrids, some of them may be earlier than others. In this case, he is faced with the question of which hybrid to sow first. The planned pattern of planting dates based on maturity is often referred to as corn calendaring. Its purpose here is to stretch the period of pollen discharge and harvesting. When hybrids of different maturity periods reach pollination at different times, it is unlikely that a relatively short, hot, dry period will affect the grain setting of the entire corn crop. Yield losses are also minimized because the crop matures at different times and, if the weather is favorable, can be harvested when each hybrid has matured and dried to a moisture content that makes it harvestable. The longer corn remains in the field after it has reached physiological maturity, the more likely it is to undergo lodging or ear drop. In addition, grain degradation is minimized by harvesting when each hybrid has reached its optimal moisture content for harvesting.

The easiest way to "calendarize" your corn crop is to plant the early hybrids first. They should be followed by later hybrids. If you use this system, you can extend the pollination period by a week or two or more. This difference in development will continue until maturity and harvest. However, during sowing, the weather should be favorable. Otherwise, the maximum yield may not be achieved. Yield losses due to planting after optimal dates are usually greater for late hybrids than for early hybrids (Table 1). Since late hybrids outperform early and medium hybrids in yield, sowing them on or a little earlier than the optimal dates for your area means using important factor in obtaining the maximum volume of production.

If you can start planting well before the optimum date and the long-term weather forecast is favorable, start with early hybrids.

On the other hand, if planting is delayed or the weather forecast is bad, start with late maturing hybrids. The pollination and harvesting period can still be extended, but not so much when the early hybrids are sown first. Extending the harvest period is still easier than extending the pollination period when you sow late hybrids first. Because in addition to the difference in heat unit days before reaching physiological ripeness, there are differences in the drying rate after physiological ripeness that must be taken into account. However, you need to contact the experts to select the best hybrids for your area.

On a bag of seeds, the terms are usually indicated, how many days the seeds germinate. The same information can be found in the grower's guide. But the actual waiting time for the first sprouts can differ significantly from the given numbers. Why is this happening, and what factors affect the germination process?

Seed germination time

The time that will pass from the moment when the seed falls into the ground until the first sprout appears is genetically determined. So, watercress is recognized as the undisputed leader, which will rise in 3-4 days. But for leeks, it will take much more time - about 2 weeks. Below you will find a detailed germination table.

Table number 1: How many days after sowing seeds germinate

(Source: Seedlings and Seeds book, see the third column and other useful information 😉)

Table of seed germination terms No. 2:

(Source: All About Vegetables by D. G. Hession)

culture	Time from planting to emergence
Jerusalem artichoke	2 – 4 weeks
Eggplant	14 - 21 days
beans	7 – 14 days
Beans	7 – 14 days
Chard	10 – 14 days
Beet	10-14 days
Cabbage (all types)	7 – 12 days
Pepper	14 - 21 days
Carrot	17 days
Celery root and petiole	12 – 18 days
Chicory	7 – 14 days
Cucumber in closed ground	3 – 5 days
Cucumber in the open field	6 – 9 days
Endive	3 – 7 days
Kohlrabi	10 days
Leek	14 – 18 days
Leaf and head lettuce	6 – 12 days
Pumpkin, zucchini, zucchini, squash,	5 – 8 days
Onion and shallot	11 – 14 days
Onion seed	21 day
Parsnip	10 – 28 days
Peas	7 – 10 days
radish, radish	4 – 7 days
Spinach	12 – 20 days
Swede	6 – 10 days
Corn	10 – 12 days
Tomato in closed ground	8 – 11 days
Tomato in the open field	8 – 11 days
Turnip	6 – 10 days

It should be noted that the data presented assume optimal conditions germination of seeds previously soaked in warm water. If the environment does not meet these conditions, the plants will develop at a slower pace. But there are ways to reduce the germination time by several times.

Why do seeds germinate poorly?

There are several reasons for this, the most common of which is too much "age" of the seed. Improper storage, during which the seeds have partially lost their ability to develop, can lead to the same results. But even with seeds highest quality, a gardener may encounter this problem if:

• Plant seeds in excessively moist, oxygen-poor soil;
• Before planting, treat the soil with pesticides. Not only harmful bacteria die from them, but also all useful microflora, and it takes time to restore it;
• Fertilize the beds with mineral compounds of unacceptably high concentration;
• Plant seeds in very cold or too warm soil (earlier or later than required).
• Excessively bury the seeds in the ground. To determine the correct depth, double the length of the seed (for small to medium sized seeds), or multiply it by 4 (for plants with large seeds);
• Water the beds before the first shoots appear: jets of water turn over the seeds, and the barely hatched sprouts die, being disoriented;
• Allow the top layer of soil to dry out, at which the sprouts die. The most susceptible to this are seeds that were soaked before planting, since the dried earth draws moisture out of them.

These are possible reasons why the seeds germinate poorly and germinate much longer than indicated in the tables of days. Avoiding the last two mutually exclusive reasons is simple: for this, it is enough to sow the seeds, cover the garden bed with plastic wrap and secure it securely. Instead of a film, you can use any dense fabric, and water directly over it. With the advent of seedlings, the film or fabric is removed. There are also covering materials (spunbond, lutrasil) that can be left on to protect seedlings from frost and pest invasion.