PLANTING AND CULTIVATING THE CORN CROP 243 

 TABLE 21. TIME OF PLANTING CORN IN CERTAIN REGIONS 1 



up readily in the spring. In dry regions it is often neces- 

 sary to plant corn three or four inches deep. As a rule 

 planting deeper than two inches is undesirable. When 

 the seed is planted deep much of the food supply stored 

 in the grain must be consumed before the young plant can 

 establish its root-system, reach the surface, and expand 

 its leaves. As the depth to which the seed is covered does 

 not influence the depth of the root-system, the primary 

 consideration is securing sufficient warmth and moisture 

 to insure favorable germination and immediate growth. 

 295. Importance of getting a stand. Every missing 

 plant means wasted land and labor and decreased yield. 

 As a rule replanting does not pay. The replants seldom 

 produce much grain owing to the fact that they are sur- 

 rounded by plants that mature their pollen before the 

 younger silks are formed, and the pollination of the later- 

 planted stalks is incomplete. Also the replants are often 

 cut short by dry weather. Precaution should be taken 

 to secure a favorable stand at the first planting. Where 



. S. Dep't of Agr. Yearbook 1910, p. 491. 



