Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
Test the soil and amend it with compost or balanced fertilizer if needed
Wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F
Prepare the planting area by removing weeds and loosening the soil
Plant corn seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep
Space seeds 8 to 12 inches apart in rows
Keep rows 2 to 3 feet apart
Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for better pollination
Water the soil thoroughly after planting
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and growth
Thin seedlings if they are too crowded
Add mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize when plants are about 6 inches tall and again when they are knee-high
Weed regularly to reduce competition
Hill soil around the base of plants if needed for support
Harvest ears when silks turn brown and kernels are full and milky