Question
We are growing a small amount of corn and when we look at the cobs they are not full of curnels, why is this happening and can we fix it.

Darren

Answer
Dear Darren:

Presumably, you're referring to Sweet Corn that you are growing in your garden.   Kernel deformity usually indicates nutrient deficiencies in the soil.  Sweet corn is a fairly heavy feeder, and proper soil fertility is critical for high yields and good growth. Once stunted by lack of nutrients, sweet corn may never fully recover. Over the growing season, sweet corn needs approximately 150 lbs of nitrogen (N) per acre. A grower should apply 50 to 60 lbs N per acre before planting and then sidedress with the balance when plants are about 2 ft tall. Additional nutrient needs should be determined from soil tests but usually consist of about 50 lbs per acre of potash and 75 lbs per acre of phosphate.

Suggest you visit the website page listed below for a complete primer of "Organic Sweet Corn Production":

       http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/hil/hil-50.html

Sincerely,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee