SWEET CORN 133 



weeks, put in Stowell's Evergreen. Another plan 

 is to choose the very best variety and make suc- 

 cessional plantings of this one kind. Suppose, for 

 this first year, we try Golden Bantam. Its quality 

 is excellent: and when ready for the table, its 

 smooth fine-flavored ears are a rich yellow. Grow- 

 ing one variety makes the production of our own 

 seed much simpler and surer. When different 

 varieties are grown in the same garden, the wind 

 is sure to scatter the pollen wide and corn mixes 

 with unusual readiness. 



Sweet corn requires a rich sandy loam, well- 

 drained and evenly prepared, for best results. 

 That means merely good garden soil, carefully 

 made ready. If possible, choose an early strip 

 with a southern exposure for the first planting. 

 Do not put in the corn until the soil is thoroughly 

 warm and fairly dry. Sweet corn germinates ex- 

 ceptionally well; every kernel sprouts. Yet the 

 seed is especially liable to rot, if the ground is 

 cold and wet. A little corn might be started in 

 the hotbed, in berry boxes, or in hand-made paper 

 pots. Sometimes this plan of getting an early 

 start is tried with some success; but, usually, 

 transplanting corn does not pay. Corn seedlings 

 are so shallow-rooted that they do not withstand 

 moving. If you decide to try early planting, be- 

 fore the danger of frost is over, put in a few hills 

 in the sunniest spot in the garden. Then cover 

 the seedlings on cold nights with melon boxes or 



