Corn

Kernels should be sown an inch (2.5 cm) deep in rows about 3 feet (90 cm) apart. Use extra seed if your seed is not treated with fungicide or if soil temperatures are still low. Once seedlings have reached 3 - 4 inches (8 - 10 cm), thin plants to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) apart. Pick a combination of early, mid and late-season varieties and sow every two weeks through the end of June if your growing season permits, to ensure a constant harvest. Make the most of your space by inter-planting a cool season crop that will be harvested before your corn gets large enough to shade it out; squash and beans are the classic all-America's combination. Corn requires a great deal of nitrogen and will require several applications of fertilizer. However, contrary to popular belief, new studies have shown that removing suckers has no impact on yield. Yellowing of the leaves is a sure sign of nitrogen deficiency while purple shades indicate more phosphorous is needed.