How To Grow Corn In Greenhouse Before
Corn, also known as maize, is one of the popular sources of carbohydrates worldwide and is needed staple food of many nations. They are a fantastic crop that you can quickly grow yourself. If you are someone who is associated with a greenhouse, then you should try to plant corn. And if you are willing to, we will tell you how to grow corn in the greenhouse before transplanting.
Like planting other crops, you must do your research correctly. You do not want to try planting seeds in vain and have no outcome. Plenty of research has been done on corn alongside other carbohydrate sources. Therefore, you should not have any problem finding tips for growing, taking care of, and transplanting them. And we are here to give you a full discussion on how to grow corn in the greenhouse before transplanting.
Finding the Right Seeds
The right advice we could give you at the beginning on how to grow corn in the greenhouse before transplanting is that you should always be careful about finding the right seeds of corn before you plant. There are different types of corn, each of which has its caring and ways of growing. The various seeds will need different kinds of soil and other necessary things. Some of them could be hard for you to grow if you do not carefully choose them. That is why you need to research corn types and decide which will be the perfect one for you to grow in your greenhouse.
Knowing Your Corn
When growing corn, it is important to remember that this crop requires a lot of light, irrigation, and care. For corn to grow properly, approximately 15 to 16 hours of daylight and frequent watering are needed. Therefore, you must ensure that your greenhouse is appropriate for the task and that the seeds are good quality.
Preparing Your Greenhouse
We have already talked about corn, and you should already have some ideas about them. Now, if you are sure about the seeds, you need to be sure about the place you are planting them: the greenhouse. As we have told you, the first thing you need to make sure that your greenhouse has is enough lighting. Your corn will require the environment to have plenty of lighting to help them grow up. You should not have any problem getting sunlight and warmth during the summer. The main issue will stand when it is winter. During wintertime, the daylight is going to be less. So, you need to develop ideas to give the proper amount of light required for the corn to grow at its own pace.
So, how do you know if your corn is getting enough light? That does not require rocket science for one to figure out. You will start to notice when there are some problems within the plants and a drastic change in their average growth; you will know the reason behind it. Most of the time, the defense will be light as you have taken care of other factors.
Start Planting
The most important thing about how to grow corn in the greenhouse before transplanting is whether you are planting them in the right way by taking appropriate measurements or not. First, you need to prepare the soil for the corn seeds to be produced. The soil that you need for corn seeds will have to be a certain amount of warmth. Around 60 to 65-degree Fahrenheit should be the warmth of the soil. Whether planting them in a pot or leveled soil, you should prepare the soil with fertilizers for at least four days. Set the soil for the time being. After that time, your soil will be fertilized and store enough warmth for the seeds to be planted properly.
Prepare the Seeds
To prepare the seed, you have to germinate it beforehand. To do that, you must soak the seeds in clean water for a whole night. With the water, the coat of the seeds will be soft, and it will help the seeds to be germinated. If you do not do that, the seeds will have a chance of rotting. After that, you need to dry the seeds overnight as well. The best way to do that is by spreading them in a paper towel and set for the night.
Plant the Seeds
Now that you are ready with the seeds, you can plant them in the soil. To do that, you need to pick three seeds in the pot and plant them in the soil. A reminder is that you have to work carefully and gently. You need to plant the seeds in one inch in the soil and spread and brush some additional soil on top of it.
Taking Care of the Planted Seeds
The most important part of the whole process is taking care of the seeds before you can transplant them. After planting the seeds, you must take proper care of them.
You need to use lukewarm water on them every morning. Never put water on the plant but the soil. Do not let water pool around the plant as it could damage them. You need to water them every day and make sure that they do not get dry in between the time the shoots appear. If you need it, you have to re-fertilize them. Before the plant gets long enough to be transplanted, you must take care of them properly. Ensure they get light, water, and other necessary things correctly. Also, take care of the bugs.
Prepare Them for Transplant
After you start taking care of them properly, they should reach a growth where you can get them ready to be transplanted. The tremendous change for the plants to be transplanted should be about 1 or 2 inches. The seedling should be thin and the right length, and you will know they are ready for the process.
You need to know that before you transplant, you must ensure the transplant pots are in the right condition. The banks you will use for transplantation should have fertilized and warm soil. The fertilization should be 18-18-21 formula, and the warmth around 60-degree Fahrenheit. You should stop fertilizing them when the tassel shows up. But in the meantime, provide them with all the necessary nutrition. If you follow all the steps correctly, you should never face any problem with the plantation process.
Some Tips When Growing Corn In Greenhouse
Here are some tips for growing corn in a greenhouse:
- Choose the right variety: Select a variety of corn that is suitable for growing in a greenhouse. Choose a variety that is shorter and suits the greenhouse’s height, as well as one that produces well in partial shade.
- Create good air circulation: Corn needs good air circulation to avoid disease and pests. Make sure there is adequate ventilation in your greenhouse.
- Provide ample water: Corn thrives in moist soil, so ensure your corn plants receive ample water. However, don’t let the soil become waterlogged, which can cause root rot.
- Control temperature and lighting: Corn likes warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, so ensure your greenhouse is kept at a consistent temperature and receives plenty of light.
- Fertilize appropriately: Corn requires adequate nutrients to grow, so ensure you fertilize according to the appropriate schedule.
- Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestations or diseases, and take appropriate measures to control them, such as using organic insecticides or fungicides.
- Hand pollinates (if needed): In the absence of natural pollinators, you may need to manually pollinate the corn plants by shaking the corn tassels to release the pollen or using a soft-bristled brush to transfer pollen from one plant to another.
By following these tips, you can grow healthy, bountiful corn in your greenhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Start Corn in Greenhouse?
Yes, you can start corn in a greenhouse. However, it is important to follow the right steps, so you don’t have any problems.
First, ensure that the area where you will grow your corn is well-drained and has good sunlight exposure. Second, provide your corn plants with enough water and fertilizers to grow healthy crops.
Last but not least, ensure that you keep an eye on the temperature and humidity levels in the greenhouse so that your corn plants don’t get too hot or too cold.
Should Corn Seed Be Soaked Before Planting?
There is no definite answer to this question as it depends on your location’s soil type and climate. However, soaking corn seed in water before planting will help to increase the germination rate and decrease the time it takes for the corn to grow.
Can Crops Be Grown Earlier in the Year in Greenhouses?
Yes, crops can be grown earlier in the year in greenhouses. However, there are some limitations to doing so. For example, crops will not grow as tall and have a shorter lifespan due to the increased exposure to sunlight. Additionally, crops may not produce as much fruit or vegetables due to the lack of humidity and cooler temperatures.
When Can I Put Plants in an Unheated Greenhouse?
It is best to wait until the temperature outside reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit before planting your plants in an unheated greenhouse. If you plant your plants before the temperature outside reaches 50 degrees, be sure to water them regularly and provide them with adequate sunlight.
What Is the Easiest Thing to Grow in a Greenhouse?
There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on your area’s climate and soil conditions. However, some plants that are commonly grown in greenhouses include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplant.
Final Thoughts
That was all for how to grow corn in the greenhouse before transplanting. When you regularly work in the greenhouse, you will start to know the basics of how plantation works and the difference the plants can have. But for, all the newcomers might not see every detail. But in the case of corn, everyone should do their proper study to know all about the greenhouse condition required for planting corn for transplantation. With making a mistake, everything can go downhill, which
You May Also Read –How Do You Transplant Corn Seedlings