SWEET CORN 



119 



used, If the earth is kept in proper condition. 

 There is no need of putting fertilizer near the hills. 

 In fact, to encourage this root network to spread, 

 it is better to scatter it about in the rows rather 

 evenly. Potatoes, beans, peas, cabbages, and many 

 other plants like to have their main food supply 

 near at hand, but corn has 

 a different habit. 



The fact that these roots 

 lie just below the surface 

 warns us also that corn 

 must not be cultivated too 

 deeply, just an inch or two. 

 At the same time, the earth 

 must be kept soft and mel- 

 low always, or the sun will 

 bake the ground and rob 

 the roots of their nourish- 

 ment. 



Thinning Out. — As the 

 sprouts get up a couple of 

 inches, begin to thin them out, planning to leave 

 not over four of the Bantam varieties or three of 

 the large corn, in each hill. Leave an extra 

 sprout until the plants are a foot high in case 

 some may be hurt or eaten. In thinning the 

 sprouts, give a sharp pull away from the hill, to 

 avoid Ufting and loosening the soil about the other 

 roots. 



Corn is not Judged ey the 

 Height of the Stalk 



The plant on the left is heavier 

 and better than that on the right. 



