What Not to Plant With Corn: Essential Guidelines
What Not to Plant With Corn?
When it comes to companion planting with corn, it is important to avoid planting certain vegetables and plants that can have a negative impact on corn growth.
Plants such as tomatoes and brassicas (cabbage family) should not be planted with corn as they attract pests like corn earworm and tomato hornworm, and they also compete for nutrients.
On the other hand, plants like pumpkin, cucumbers, oriental poppies, globe thistle, and Kentucky Wonder pole beans can be planted between corn to repel raccoons.
Key Points:
- Avoid planting tomatoes and brassicas (cabbage family) with corn as they attract pests and compete for nutrients
- Pumpkin, cucumbers, oriental poppies, globe thistle, and Kentucky Wonder pole beans are good companion plants for corn
- Tomatoes and brassicas attract pests like corn earworm and tomato hornworm
- Pumpkin, cucumbers, oriental poppies, globe thistle, and Kentucky Wonder pole beans repel raccoons
- Corn and tomatoes/brassicas compete for nutrients
- Corn and pumpkin/cucumbers/oriental poppies/globe thistle/Kentucky Wonder pole beans can be planted together for beneficial effects.
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that planting sunflowers alongside corn plants can actually benefit the corn? Sunflowers act as “trap crops,” attracting pests like aphids away from corn, thus protecting it from potential damage.
2. Another interesting fact is that planting beans near corn can enhance the growth of both plants. Beans add nitrogen to the soil, which is beneficial for corn since it is a heavy nitrogen feeder.
3. On the other hand, it is not recommended to plant tomatoes near corn. This is because both plants are susceptible to similar diseases, such as gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight. Planting them together increases the risk of these diseases spreading and causing significant damage.
4. Some gardeners have found that planting marigolds near corn can help repel certain pests. Marigolds contain a compound called limonene, which acts as a natural insect repellent, helping to keep harmful pests away from corn plants.
5. For those who love melons, it’s interesting to note that planting watermelon or cantaloupe near corn can cause competition for nutrients and space. As both corn and melons are heavy feeders, it’s better to give them their separate soil space to flourish and maximize their growth.
Nitrogen-Fixing Plants For Optimal Corn Growth
A vital component for the optimal growth of sweet corn is a steady supply of nitrogen. Luckily, there are plants known as nitrogen-fixing plants that can be strategically planted alongside corn to provide this essential nutrient. Legumes, such as alfalfa, clover, peas, and soybeans, are all excellent options for companion planting with corn.
Legumes have the unique ability to harness nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that can be used by plants. This remarkable process is made possible by a symbiotic relationship with bacteria called Rhizobium bacteria. These bacteria reside in the roots of legumes and work harmoniously to transform atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. The legume plants benefit from the nitrogen supply, while the corn plants reap the rewards of increased nitrogen levels in the soil.
In addition to legumes, beans also have nitrogen-absorbing capabilities. By planting beans alongside corn, they can actively absorb nitrogen either from the air or the soil, further enhancing the overall nutrient availability for corn plants.
The “Three Sisters” Method Of Companion Planting
One well-known and highly effective method of companion planting for sweet corn is the “Three Sisters” method. This innovative technique involves planting corn, pole beans, and winter squash together in a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The concept behind the “Three Sisters” method is to create a symbiotic relationship among these three plants. The tall cornstalks provide a sturdy support structure for the climbing beans to grow. In return, the beans help stabilize the corn by wrapping their tendrils around the stalks, protecting them against strong winds.
The addition of winter squash is also crucial. The low-growing squash plants cover the ground, acting as a natural mulch and inhibiting the growth of weeds. This ground cover also helps control pests by limiting their access to the corn and beans. Furthermore, the shade provided by the squash leaves helps retain soil moisture and aids in overall water conservation.
The benefits of the “Three Sisters” method extend beyond structural and pest control advantages. The beans in this planting trio play a vital role in providing nitrogen to the soil. As legumes, they possess the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, elevating the overall nutrient levels beneficial for corn growth.
Flowers That Attract Beneficial Insects For Corn
Companion planting with flowers can significantly enhance the health and productivity of corn plants by attracting beneficial insects. Marigolds and Nasturtiums are two popular flower options that not only repel aphids and other pests but also allure beneficial bugs to the garden.
These vibrant flowers act as natural insect repellents, deterring unwanted pests from approaching the corn plants. Simultaneously, their attractive flowers beckon beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on common corn pests such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars. The presence of these natural predators creates a balanced ecosystem, effectively controlling damaging insect populations.
To further diversify and enrich the garden habitat, consider planting annual flowers like cosmos and zinnias. These colorful blooms also attract beneficial insects, contributing to a robust ecosystem that supports healthy corn growth.
- Marigolds and Nasturtiums repel aphids and other pests.
- Ladybugs and lacewings are attracted to the flowers and feed on common corn pests.
- Cosmos and zinnias can further diversify the garden habitat and attract beneficial insects.
Plants That Repel Pests Attacking Corn
The plant kingdom offers a wide array of pest-repelling options that help defend corn plants against common threats. Borage, a beautiful herb with its vibrant blue flowers, possesses the remarkable ability to repel worms that attack corn plants. Additionally, borage acts as a magnet for beneficial insects like ladybugs, whose larvae feed on destructive pests such as aphids.
Another useful plant for repelling pests attacking corn is Summer Savory. This aromatic herb emits a fragrance that deters several insects known to damage corn crops. Additionally, Summer Savory attracts beneficial bugs, such as predatory wasps and ground beetles, which help keep pest populations in check.
Thyme, an herb renowned for its culinary uses, also plays a part in protecting corn from the dreaded corn earworm. This resilient herb’s scent repels these destructive pests, keeping them at bay and preventing damage to corn plants.
Plants To Avoid Planting With Corn
While companion planting offers numerous benefits for corn, certain plants should be avoided as they can attract pests or compete for nutrients. Tomatoes and members of the brassica family, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, are prime examples of plants that should not be planted alongside corn.
Tomatoes and brassicas can attract problematic pests such as corn earworms and tomato hornworms, which can wreak havoc on corn plants. Additionally, these plants have similar nutrient requirements to corn and may compete for resources, potentially compromising the overall health and yield of all plants involved.
If raccoons pose a threat to corn crops, several plants can be interplanted to deter these pesky creatures. Pumpkin, cucumbers, oriental poppies, globe thistle, and Kentucky Wonder pole beans have properties that repel raccoons, providing an extra layer of protection for corn plants.
companion planting plays a vital role in optimizing the growth and productivity of sweet corn. By strategically selecting companion plants that provide nitrogen, repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and deter undesirable wildlife, gardeners can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits corn crops. Remember to avoid planting tomatoes, brassicas, and other plants that may attract pests or compete for resources, ensuring the best possible outcome for your corn harvest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What not to plant corn next to?
When planning your garden, it is advisable to avoid planting corn next to certain crops such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, or kohlrabi. These sun-loving plants struggle to thrive when overshadowed by corn, as it provides excessive shade. Moreover, both corn and members of the cabbage family are heavy feeders, resulting in intense competition for nutrients in the soil.
What plants should you avoid with corn?
To ensure optimal growth and yield of corn, it is best to refrain from planting it alongside certain plants. Corn tends to struggle when planted near crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi. These plants are known to compete with corn for nutrients and resources, hindering its growth and overall productivity. Thus, avoiding these particular plants will help maximize the potential of your corn harvest.
What stops corn from growing?
One of the main factors that can inhibit corn growth is insufficient sunlight exposure. Corn plants require ample direct sunlight for optimal growth. If the light levels are inadequate, it can impede photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, leading to slow or stunted growth.
In addition to sunlight, moisture is crucial for corn’s growth. If corn plants do not receive enough water, their growth can be severely hindered. Insufficient moisture can result in dehydration and hinder nutrient uptake, ultimately impacting growth and development.
Furthermore, a lack of essential nutrients can also inhibit corn growth. Corn plants require various nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for healthy development. If these nutrients are deficient in the soil, corn plants may experience slow or halted growth.
To ensure optimal corn growth, it is crucial to provide adequate sunlight, moisture, and nutrients.
What’s the closest you can plant corn together?
To maximize growth and yield, the ideal spacing for planting corn is to have rows spaced 2½ – 3 feet apart, with individual plants placed 8-10 inches apart. This recommended spacing provides enough room for the corn plants to receive adequate sunlight, nutrients, and water, which are essential for their healthy development. Additionally, it allows for efficient air circulation, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections and maximizing pollination. When planting early in the season, it is crucial to ensure seeds are not placed deeper than 1 inch to allow for proper germination and emergence of the young corn plants. By adhering to these guidelines, farmers and gardeners can achieve optimal growth and a bountiful corn harvest.