

If choosing an organic formula is important to you, be sure to pick a brand that’s certified by a board like the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). One major advantage of organic fertilizers is that they continue to work as the growing season progresses. They are sold commercially but can also be formulated with household scraps and ingredients like coffee grounds. Organic fertilizers only contain natural ingredients.Both types of formula have advantages and disadvantages. Plant fertilizers are made with either organic or inorganic ingredients. Be sure to choose a fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen for subsequent side-dressing. Corn is a heavy feeder and needs a high quantity of nitrogen to thrive once it is established. This will ensure they develop a healthy root system and have strong stems and foliage. Pre-planting fertilizers for corn should have NPK ratios of 1-4-0, 1-3-1, 1-3-3, or 1-1-1 to ensure they don’t contain too much nitrogen. These three macronutrients-nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)-are needed in varying quantities depending on the period of the corn plant’s life cycle. Plant fertilizers are typically rated with an NPK ratio which lists the balance of macronutrients found in the formula. Many fertilizers, however, contain ingredients meant to boost acidity for acid-loving crops, and unless your soil is extremely alkaline, you should avoid fertilizers that contain ingredients like manganese, ammonium sulfate or sulfur-coated urea, which increase acidity. In many parts of the country, no pH amendments will be needed to successfully grow corn. Soils that are too acidic should be treated with lime in the fall before planting to ensure the best results. The best soil for corn is slightly acidic at 6.0 and neutral at 7.0. It’s essential to test the soil’s pH level before planting by using a home pH test kit or having it professionally evaluated. Granular fertilizers slowly release nutrients over time, only requiring application every 4 to 6 weeks. Granular fertilizers are a great choice for fertilizing after seeding-otherwise known as side-dressing-because they can be applied to the soil without accidentally being applied to the plants themselves.Since liquid fertilizers can easily be diluted, however, it’s easy to avoid overfertilizing when using them. They deliver immediate results, but the primary downside of liquid fertilizers is that they need to be applied frequently at 1- to 2-week intervals. Liquid fertilizers are typically designed to be diluted with water and sprayed onto plants or soil.

Each type is best suited to different applications. Types of Fertilizer for Cornįertilizers typically come in one of two formulations: granular or liquid. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best fertilizer for sweet corn crops.

While it’s easy to assume that all plant fertilizers offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Corn Add a top layer of compost to the soil, and mix the chosen fertilizer into the compost before planting. The soil’s pH level must be tested to understand its acidity level, which will help determine the best fertilizer for sweet corn for your specific needs.Īs with many other crops, the soil should first be fertilized before seeding. Measure the square footage of the plot to establish the quantity of fertilizer needed.
#Neptunes fish and seaweed fertilizer for garden sweet corn full#
Choose a location that receives full sun with loamy, well-drained soil for the best results. Photo: Before You Buy the Best Fertilizer for Cornīefore choosing a corn fertilizer, it’s important to assess the planting area. BEST ALL-PURPOSE: Pendleton Turf Supply Triple 10 Liquid Fertilizer.BEST LIQUID: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1.BEST NITROGEN: Easy Peasy Urea Fertilizer- 46-0-0.BEST OVERALL: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Organic Vegetable Fertilizer.Keep reading to learn about some of the key features to consider when shopping for the best corn fertilizer, and then explore some of the top picks organized by each product’s winning features. To help make the search easier, the following recommendations were selected for their quality formulas, versatility, and value. With so many types of plant fertilizers available, it can be difficult for shoppers to narrow down the options. However, choosing the correct fertilizer for corn plants is essential to the plant’s ability to thrive. In fact, it’s the most widely grown crop in the Americas. Also known as maize, mielie, or sweet corn, corn ( Zea mays subsp) has been domesticated for 10,000 years, and today it’s a staple crop around the world.
