Question
hi, I'd like to plant and harvest the so called 憇weet' corn as a temporary separation between my new-house garden and those of my neighbours. This way I make my garden a bit more private in summer while the Hedera-Helix closes more behind it for next year.
I'd like to plant the 憇weet'corn so I can even profit from it, harvesting and freezing it for later use.
Now the main questions are:
1)   Can I use fresh Mais-pieces I cut from a one corn-kolf  I bought in the supermarket or do they have to dry first?
2)   When would be the best time to plant and harvest them?
3)   How many seeds and on what distance do I best plant them so I have a complete closed wall without using to much space in the garden? Distance from the Hedera?
I'm living in Belgium where it's now a sunny day of  16癈 and over night it still could go to 5癈. A few weeks ago it was still freezing!

Thanks!


Answer
Hello Michel,
Thanx for your question.
1.  No, you cannot use fresh kernels cut from the cob.  Use seed from a seedsman or nursery.  It has dried and ready for planting and you can be assured that what you plant is what you get.  Seeds from the garden will be cross-pollinated, are hybrids and will not result in seedlings true to the original.
2.  Plant seeds after the last frost has passed and ground temperatures are above 60 degrees.  Corn likes warm weather and will even stop growing if it gets too chilly.
3.  You can space the seeds about 6 inches apart but make four rows of them at least.  Corn needs to have a lot of its own kind very near it for proper pollination.  Bottom line is that corn will not grow well in climates that are rainy and cool.  In fact, that could have an adverse effect on pollination which would result in no harvest.  I hope this helps.
Tom