Uploaded June 2017 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
Many OP field corns available are no longer properly selected for many traits, especially early vigor. Vigorous seedlings are very important for good establishment of a uniform stand, and as a protection against seedling predators like blackbirds and crows. WIth a strong deep root system the seedling can protect itself from being yanked out by a bird looking for the kernel.
The best way to select for seedling vigor in corn is to over-plant and thin to the desired spacing, keeping only the strongest seedlings. The proper moment to thin is when the corn seedlings are 5-8 inches tall at the V3 or V4 stage when all the food in the kernel has been used up and the plants are dependent on themselves for their growth, but before the crowding causes them too become severely stressed from competition.
Finally, this is also a great time to plant beans or other legumes if you are trying for a polycuture like a Three Sisters garden of some kind. Here I'm planting cowpeas in the thinned row.
Many OP field corns available are no longer properly selected for many traits, especially early vigor. Vigorous seedlings are very important for good establishment of a uniform stand, and as a protection against seedling predators like blackbirds and crows. WIth a strong deep root system the seedling can protect itself from being yanked out by a bird looking for the kernel.
The best way to select for seedling vigor in corn is to over-plant and thin to the desired spacing, keeping only the strongest seedlings. The proper moment to thin is when the corn seedlings are 5-8 inches tall at the V3 or V4 stage when all the food in the kernel has been used up and the plants are dependent on themselves for their growth, but before the crowding causes them too become severely stressed from competition.
Finally, this is also a great time to plant beans or other legumes if you are trying for a polycuture like a Three Sisters garden of some kind. Here I'm planting cowpeas in the thinned row.
