Question
I live in Cent. Texas where soil is sandy.  I have had good luck with hybrid sweet corn in the past but heard that a good thing to do is at some point to side dress it with amonium nitrate and water it in.  If this is true, at what point of growth is this done?  My main fertilizer is a mixture of cow manure (we raise cattle) and water...we call it Texas Tea.  Triple 13 is applied at various times.  Anyway, am really interested in hearing from you re. the amonium nitrate application.

Answer
Hi Dennis, A light dose of a high nitrogen fertilizer when it's past the 3-leaf stage will really make it jump. You could use nitrate of soda (16-0-0) or urea (46-0-0).  Ammonium nitrate is 33.5-0-0 but not often found anymore.  If you look closely at bags labeled as such, it is often diluted urea.  You still need phosphorous and potash, so continue with the 13-13-13.  Follow the label rates and water thoroughly after applying.
Continue with your Texas Tea.  It will supply micro nutrients and help your soil microbes, which in turn makes a healthier plant.  Jim