Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20588323.tip.html

Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

Q: Last year I planted the same garden as I have for the last 5 years: tomatoes, peppers, corn, zucchini, green beans, exc. The problem is that the zucchini and the corn did nothing. The plants were there but the corn (I planted 6 or 8 rows) came up with only 4 corn plants which the bugs took care of. One zucchini plant came up and it got a couple of leaves and that's it, it stayed the same size and grew no zucchinis at all. Is there some nutrient or something that I should be adding to the soil besides compost? I had plenty of tomatoes and peppers.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Pakjc from kentland, Indiana

A: Hi Pakjc,

Corn and Zucchini are both heavy nitrogen feeders, so if you are not rotating the location of your vegetables yearly, past crops may have depleted the nitrogen out of the soil. Even if you're using compost, it may not have contained enough nitrogen or it may simply not have had enough time to add nutrients to your soil. Beans fix nitrogen, which is exactly what corn and zucchini need a lot of. Try rotating your beans with your zucchini and corn by planting your corn and zucchini where your beans were last year and see what happens. This will also interrupt the cycle of certain soil-dwelling insects like wireworm or seed-corn maggots should they be present. You can also try planting a cover crop of clover (also nitrogen fixing) in the fall and tilling it in next spring. If things don't change for you this year, I would recommend getting your soil tested.

Ellen

About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

I, like the guy before me, have had problems when growing corn. Six years ago I had plants about 8 feet tall and the corn was very sweet. Since then the plants have only got 3 ft tall the corn cob has only reached the length of 3"
The canes are extremely small. I have added the basic 10 10 10 10 I put all sorts of vegetable peels banana, ect. I took the plants over to a nursery and even that guy just scratched his head. HELP

Post By John (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

I, like the guy before me, have had problems when growing corn. Six years ago I had plants about 8 feet tall and the corn was very sweet. Since then the plants have only got 3 ft tall the corn cob has only reached the lenght of 3"
The canes are extremely small. I have added the basic 10 10 10 10 I put all sorts of vegetable peels banana, ect. I took the plants over to a nursery and even that guy just scratched his head. HELP

Post By John (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

Some of my corn stalks are approx. 10-12 inches others are much shorter. They all seem to be yellowing and not growing like they did initially. What can I do to encourage the growth on all corn stalks and help them produce corn?

Post By slbobrowski (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

I have just planted some corn which are atleast 10 inches high, they have been ok untill today. Some of the leaves have gone brown and slightly whilted ?
can anyone help ?

Post By Lottie (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

Corn is a heavy feeder. I rotate it with beans, allowing at least two years between corn plantings in the same spot. Lots of compost for everything. Ask your county extension agent and the local Master Gardeners chapter for clues.

Post By Beth (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

Make sure you rotate your crops. Just like farmers, here they rotate corn with soybeans. Corn takes out a lot of nutrients from the soil. I agree with Rosa, rotate and add nutrients. After 5 years, your plants have used up everything so keep it going with fertilizer or compost. Do you know any farmers? Most are more than willing to give up some wastes. Growing up, my family always put on a layer of manure every year.

Post By Kim (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

it sounds like maybe your seeds were bad. if they don't grow again this year, then you will know it is the soil. good luck.

Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)

RE: Problems Growing Corn (and Zucchini)

Do you rotate when you plant ? Add some compost to your garden and add some compost to the rows when you plant.You do have a compost pile ???? :-) compost is great for all plants ,even your potted and house plants. Call your local garden center and ask them what the problem is, they can help a lot . hope this helps

Post By rosa (Guest Post)

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20588323.tip.html

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.