How to Water Corn Plants

Corn is seeded directly into the garden bed. The seeds require moisture to germinate and consistent irrigation afterward to grow and produce ears successfully. Good soil that retains moisture helps ensure the soil remains moist and doesn't dry out too quickly, but even the best soil requires regular watering to replenish its moisture stores. Feeling the soil before each irrigation indicates whether the soil needs more water and allows you to adjust your irrigation schedule to meet the needs of the corn plants.

Compost
Straw mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Cultivate 2- to 4-inches of compost into the garden bed prior to planting to improve the water-retaining ability of the soil. Corn requires soil that retains a consistent level of moisture for best growth and production.
- 2
  Water the bed every one to two days after planting so the top 4 inches of soil remain moist. Dry soil prior to sprouting may inhibit germination, as the seeds must absorb a high amount of moisture to germinate successfully.
- 3
  Spread 2 inches of weed- and seed-free straw over the bed after the corn plants reach a 6-inch height. The straw prevents rapid moisture loss from the soil due to summer heat.
- 4
  Irrigate the corn plants once or twice a week, providing an inch of water each time. Corn roots in the top 4 inches of soil so irrigation must keep the top 4 to 6 inches of soil moist.

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Growing Corn