270 Gardening 



SWEET CORN 



This plant should have a place in every garden, except 

 perhaps those of very small area. It is easily grown, its 

 fruit has a high food value, and any surplus in the crop 

 can readily be canned or dried. Besides, some of the 

 most delicious varieties, such as the Golden Bantam, can 

 seldom be bought in the markets. This variety is un- 

 doubtedly the best for the home garden. It does not 

 yield so heavily as larger-eared sorts, but it is more 

 sweet and tender. 



An excellent plan is to grow about three varieties 

 which mature at different times. A judicious planting of 

 early, medium, and late sorts, to the total of 100 hills 

 or more, will supply the ordinary family abundantly. 



The first planting of corn is made after all danger of 

 frost is past. Plant the seed from i to 2 inches deep, 

 either in rows or in hills. If in rows, the single stalks 

 may stand about 12 to 15 inches apart ; if in hills, plan 

 for 3 stalks in a hill, with the hills 3 feet apart each way. 



Succession plantings of one variety may be made at 

 intervals of 2 weeks ; but if the soil is not especially rich 

 and well watered during a dry summer, this plan may 

 result in a stunted development of the later crops. As a 

 rule, the more certain plan is that of growing early and 

 late varieties which are planted about the same time. 



The ears are best for table use if picked in the " milk 

 stage " and used promptly. In the milk stage the ker- 

 nels are well filled and plump, but still soft and juicy. 

 They are right for use when a quick, sharp pressure of 

 the finger nail causes the seed coat to burst and the juicy 



