Corn Growing in MM dust

Chopper 5/28/2010, 12:03 am

I was looking at my 6" deep SFG that I have corn and pole beans in. I noticed that in my cheapness to minimize spending too much on the mix ingredients, now that it is settled it is about 3" deep. It is on sod. I didn't remove the grass, just cut it short and plopped down the box. I am hoping this saves my cheap, lazy a** and the roots can get some traction from below.

Any other suggestions? I am thinking it is too late to add another bag of compost - the corn is about 6-8" high and the beans have their 1st and second sets of true leaves.

I am also thinking I should provide a stake for the corn now?

boffer 5/28/2010, 12:23 am

Here's the root structure of an eight foot stalk. My guess is that the roots will travel into the native soil. If you're planning on staking each plant, I would put the stake in now to avoid damaging the roots later. Corn is a heavy feeder; I would consider adding supplements. Blood meal perhaps.

Corn Growing in MM dust 100_1312

Megan 5/28/2010, 7:32 am

Is blood meal preferable to coffee grounds?

More of my corn came up than I anticipated... I have three to four plants per square, and it's heirloom. I'm finding the idea of thinning them to be very difficult...

Ha-v-v 5/28/2010, 9:19 am

I would add more mix, and I know Im new at this, but more dirt shouldnt hurt it. I do it with the beds I have. They settled as well, so every so often I take a bucket of soil and add it to where I think it can use it.
Hope this helps

Ha-v-v

boffer 5/28/2010, 10:20 am

Megan wrote:Is blood meal preferable to coffee grounds?

That question is above my paygrade!

Megan wrote:
More of my corn came up than I anticipated... I have three to four plants per square, and it's heirloom. I'm finding the idea of thinning them to be very difficult...

Maybe this picture will offer a little incentive to thin. There's not much room for more than one plant.

Corn Growing in MM dust 100_1313

Megan 5/28/2010, 1:09 pm

Hmm. You have quite a point, there! Mine are about the same size as Chopper's and I need to remember how big the end product will be.

Sponsored content

Corn Growing in MM dust

Corn Growing in MM dust

Re: Corn Growing in MM dust

Re: Corn Growing in MM dust

Re: Corn Growing in MM dust

Re: Corn Growing in MM dust

Re: Corn Growing in MM dust

Re: Corn Growing in MM dust


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.