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. 
618. 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 io 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.. 
