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 roo 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 1 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. Asa 
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 
