Corn can be sown in a number of ways. However, it becomes particularly interesting - and more productive in many respects - if you sow corn in the traditional South American way. Combined with pumpkins and beans, you get three varieties in one area.
Conventional European sowing of corn
But first, let's look at the traditional European method of sowing corn. The seed is usually planted in the field from the beginning to the middle of May, when the soil is already a little warm and, above all, not so damp.
Plant corn in blocks
The plants are planted at a distance of 45 x 45 centimeters - a distance of 45 centimeters must be maintained between the individual plants and between the rows in order to ensure optimal growth. This method is also known as block planting and is intended later to protect the tall corn plants from buckling over in strong winds. This also makes it easier for the plants to fertilize one another.
Plant seeds deep in the soil
The corn kernels are placed about three to four centimeters deep in the ground and loosely covered. If the soil is heavy and clayey, a shallower digging is required. It is advisable to put in two to three seeds per seed spot and later simply remove the weaker plants. In this way, failures due to non-germinating seeds can be reduced.
Conditions for outdoor sowing
- no frost
- at least 10 degrees ground temperature
- foil cover if necessary
- sufficient moisture, but no waterlogging
The conditions mentioned apply to both the conventional European and the traditional South American way of sowing.
Traditional sowing of South American Indians
In South America and increasingly also in European gardens, corn is planted together with pumpkins and beans. To do this, sow the corn kernels as described above, but with a distance of about 40 centimeters between the plants and at least 60 centimeters (better 70 to 80) between the individual rows. Pumpkin plants and climbing beans are placed in the resulting spaces, the latter in particular later using the high corn stalks as climbing aids. The pumpkins, in turn, cover the ground. In this way you make optimal use of your cultivation areas, especially since the three varieties complement each other perfectly.
tips and tricks
To facilitate germination, the seeds should be soaked in lukewarm water for about eight to ten hours before sowing.