Texas Sweet Corn Planting Guide

Till some compost and-or manure into the soil to improve soil texture and nutrient levels, as recommended by the National Gardening Association. Add at least a couple of inches of compost or manure and till the dirt to a depth of at least 12 inches.

Test the soil pH by using an at-home soil testing kit or by sending a soil sample to a local nursery or university for testing. Texas A&M University explains that corn grows best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Buy a soil additive from a gardening store to raise or lower the soil pH if it falls out of this range. Clemson University Extension suggests adding lime or wood ash to raise the soil pH and sulfur to lower it.

Plant the corn seeds 6 to 8 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 4 feet apart, as recommended by the National Gardening Association. Plant the seeds 1.5 to 2 inches deep.

Water the corn regularly, and give it at least 1 inch of water per week, as recommended by the National Gardening Association.

Add some high-nitrogen fertilizer as recommended by the National Gardening Association and Texas A & M University. Side-dress the corn by adding about 2 pounds of fertilizer for every 100-foot corn row on top of the soil to the side of the plants. Apply the fertilizer when the corn tassels start to show up.