How to Plant Corn in Pennsylvania

Prepare a planting plot for your Pennsylvania corn by loosening the soil to a depth of 18 inches with a pitchfork or rototiller. The plot should contain sunny, well-drained soil. Test the soil using a soil pH testing kit. Corn prefers soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0.

Amend the soil in the plot if it does not meet the pH requirements. Mix lime in with your Pennsylvania soil if the pH is below 5.8. Add Peat moss to soil with a pH above 7.0. Add the required amendment according to directions on the packaging label.

Dig holes for your corn plants that equal the size of their root balls. Space the holes 9 to 12 inches apart, in rows 36 inches apart. Remove the corn plants from their nursery containers and place one plant in each hole.

Back-fill the holes with the original soil. Pat the soil down around each corn plant to remove air pockets that will rob the roots of moisture. Water the corn plants generously after planting using a soaker hose.

Water your corn plants regularly, providing them with at least 1 inch of water per week. The average yearly rainfall in the state of Pennsylvania is approximately 29 inches. Unfortunately, this is not enough rain for corn to thrive. Therefore, supplemental watering is necessary to maintain a healthy corn crop.

Side-dress your Pennsylvania corn after planting using a 2-1-1 fertilizer. Side-dressing simply means to sprinkle the fertilizer in a band, 2 inches to the side of the corn plants. Fertilizer applied too close to the plants can burn the roots and foliage.

Harvest your Pennsylvania corn when it ripens. Corn planted in April is often ripe by July. Crops planted later usually ripen by August. Ripe corn kernels contain a white, milky sap when punctured. Immature crops contain a clear, watery liquid. Overripe ears contain a thick, starchy fluid.