EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINS. 451 



PLANTING CORN 



The most favorable time to plant corn varies with the latitude, alti- 

 tude, soil and drainage condition, and location with reference to large 

 bodies of water. In southern Michigan the average range of the best 

 period for planting is from May 1st to 20th; in central Michigan coun- 

 ties May 10th to 25th ; and in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula 

 and in the Upper Peninsula May 20th to June 5th. In general, early 

 plantings within the periods named are advisable. In exceptionally 

 early seasons corn can be planted safely at an earlier date than given 

 above and in extremely late seasons the planting time may be delayed 

 to a later date than indicated. 



The best time to plant corn varies also with individual seasons ; hence, 

 the old sign of the Indians for a safe planting time — "when the leaves 

 of the White Oak are the size of squirrel's ears" — can be taken as an 

 excellent guide. Long years of observation have proven the dependa- 

 bility of this l^ndian sign. 



Rate of Planting: 



The advisable rate of planting depends on length of growing season 

 and fertility of soil. In southern Michigan counties on fertile corn 

 ground the usual method is to plant in hills 42 to 44 inches apart, 

 dropping three kernels per hill or drilled in rows 42 to 44 inches apart 

 dropping a kernel every 14 inches. On lighter soils of the extreme 

 southern counties it is usual to plant 2 kernels per hill 44 inches apart. 



21. Corn starts best on a well surfaced seed bed with furrow slice well settled. 



In central Michigan the usual distance between hills is 38 to 42 

 inches, dropping 3 kernels per hill or planting in rows 38 or 42 inches 

 apart with a kernel every 12 to 14 inches. 



In northern Michigan, sections 3 and 4, corn is usually planted in hills 

 3 or 4 kernels per hill, 36 to 38 inches apart. The varieties are smaller 

 and seed can be planted thicker. 



For silage the rates above mentioned may be used if part of the field 

 is to be handled for grain. Somewhat thicker planting, drilling in 

 rows 36 to 42 inches apart with kernels every 10 inches apart, will in- 

 crease the tonnage. 



