CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 433 



there should be no delay. The harrow should be used 

 promptly after plowing and often enough to conserve 

 moisture and to prepare a thoroughly pulverized soil 

 before planting time. 



6 1 8. Planting. When grown for market early plant- 

 ing is particularly important. It may be the means of 

 getting a third or a half better price for most of the 

 crop. Prices often decline very rapidly and a difference 

 of several days earlier in reaching the market may make 

 the average price for the season materially larger. In 

 regions where sweet corn is grown for packing, late 

 frosts sometimes catch the crop, and in such localities 

 it is better to plant early and take risks of spring frosts, 

 when replantings can be made if necessary, rather than 

 to risk a total loss of the crop from autumn frosts. 



It is customary to plant early, second early and late 

 varieties at the same time, although some growers, espe- 

 cially those who produce their own seed, prefer to grow 

 only one variety, planting at intervals of about 10 days 

 to insure a succession of ears. There is no danger of 

 mixing if only one variety is grown and this is a great 

 advantage when a breeding plat is maintained. 



Sweet corn is often grown in hills, but drills are pre- 

 ferred. Plants of the lower growing varieties may stand 

 IO inches apart, or perhaps slightly closer, while I foot 

 is not too much space for vigorous sorts like Stowell 

 Evergreen. The space between rows varies from 30 

 inches to 4 feet, depending upon the height of the plants. 

 Three feet or less is ample for the early varieties, while 

 the rank late varieties should have about 4 feet. A good 

 stand is exceedingly important. It is best to seed freely, 

 and thin if necessary to reduce the number of plants. 

 Crowding is just as objectionable as is a poor stand. 

 When planted in hills, more than four plants should 

 never be allowed to remain. With the larger varieties 

 three will probably give a better yield of salable ears. 



