Presenter: Judy Horton
Episode: 20 (8 September 2007)


Sweet Corn always tastes best when it is as fresh as possible and the way to have it at its freshest is to grow your own. Because Sweet Corn loves warm conditions you can sow the seeds as soon as your soil has lost its winter chill. Put the flat of your hand on the soil to test. If the soil feels really cold, it is still too early.

When you think it is warm enough, sow the seeds into well-prepared soil. It is a good idea to put two seeds in together because that doubles your chances of success. If both plants emerge, you can remove the weakest looking one.

Corn should always be planted in blocks so that the pollen that develops on top of the plant can fall down and fertilises the silks at the end of the cob. The main pest of corn to watch out for is a nasty grub called corn earworm that hides and eats inside the cob causing damage. Fortunately it is easily controlled with low toxic Yates Success.

One final tip for Sweet Corn; when the silks turn brown the corn is ready so put the pot on the stove, bring the water to the boil, run to the garden to pick your corn and cook it straight away. When it is that fresh it is absolutely delicious.