Corn is an important crop of humans and animals.
As gardeners, it is important to be knowledgeable about the nature, behavior, and cultivation of your crops, especially corns. Moreover, you need to know how to tell when corn is ready to harvest, as well as know the reliable tools to use such as rototillers and garden tillers.
The growth characteristics and abnormal signs of growth are some of the things you need to know. Crops, such as corn, necessitate care in order for them to grow and produce well. Corn is vital because not only humans eat them but also animals.
Sweet corn and popcorn are some of the different kinds of corn available in supermarkets.
How to tell when corn is ready to harvest is a must-have skill for farmers who grow corn.
The time of harvest is what makes these types of corn differ from each other. Therefore, corn harvesting can be done successfully with the right sense of timing. You cannot have sweet corn if you pick corn before or after the proper harvesting time. Most people blame the kind of corn they planted, but it is actually because of wrong timing in harvesting.
If harvesting corn is giving you trouble, continue reading to learn how to tell when corn is ready to harvest.
6 Ways To Know When Corn Is Ready To Harvest
1: Estimate The Maturity Date Depending On The Planting Date And Variety Of Corn.
In general, it takes between 60 and 100 days for a corn to become fully mature. Nevertheless, the time matured corn stays sweet and prime does not last for a long time. For most types of corn, the sweetness disappears fast except for the kinds that are naturally super sweet.
One major indicator of how to tell when corn is ready to harvest is by checking if the ears are filled out. However, you do not constantly need to check your corn each day to estimate the date of maturity based on the date you planted it. Since there are many factors such as nutrients and weather that can affect the sweetness of the corn, it’s best to review the harvest period of the type of corn you planted. By doing this, you can have a close estimate when you can harvest a good crop.
It is suggested that you avoid checking the corn ear that is not mature yet. Hence, proper timing is crucial on how to tell when corn is ready to harvest.
2: Monitor The Growth Of Corn Ears.
You should observe the corn ears becoming plump and filled out. It is because this is an indication that the corn has completely grown. If you see the ears are rounded and not pointed, this is a definitive sign that it is ready.
Corn ears that are not fully mature are susceptible to attacks by birds and insects when they are uncovered. Thus, you should look closely if it is mature or not. You will know how to tell when corn is ready to harvest by simply observing it with a bit of experience and practice.
3: Examine The Appearance Of The Corn Ears And Be Familiar With The Conversion Process Of Corns.
For corn ears that are ripe and sweet, you will see leaves which are dark and green covering them. As the corn becomes ripe, the silk surrounding the ears turns into brown.
Because corn plants purely produce starch, they create natural sugar and fill the kernels at the same time. Inside the kernel is where the sugar is stored and the embryo or seed of corn is found.
When the kernels are filled with sugar, this is the time the plant starts the conversion process. For the best taste, you should pick your corn before the conversion begins. It is also recommended to cook the newly harvest corns immediately before the natural sugar turns into starch.
4: It Is Best To Harvest Corn At The Time You Will Eat It Or Close To The Time You Are Planning To Eat It.
The timing is important on how to tell when corn is ready to harvest. It is advisable to boil the water first before you pick your corn. This is because the natural conversion process occurs faster when you pick out the corn from its plant.
The sugar begins to be converted into starch since the seeds need to be nourished in order to reproduce. Within 24 hours, most types of corn change half of their sugar to starch. Nevertheless, for the super sweet types, they remain sweet for a longer time.
You can keep it in a refrigerator if you are not able to eat your harvested corn right away. This is because corn gradually loses its sugar more slowly at a low temperature. In case you cannot refrigerate, you can keep the corn ears in single layers instead of stacking them. Corn ears need space because there is a tendency to overheat inside the husks. In addition, you can also use a damp cloth to cover the ears.
If you prefer corn that has more texture and less sweet taste, you can just let the natural conversion process take its course. You can harvest your corn if you see a somewhat dough-like appearance. In addition, you can eat it after 1 or 2 days after you harvested it.
Want to know how to tell when corn is ready to harvest like a pro.
5: Check The Silks Of The Corn.
The silks of the corn can also be a way on how to tell when corn is ready to harvest. When the silks become dry, the corn ears are at its prime for harvest. If you want to double check, you can slightly remove the husk and see if the corn ear is generously filled out. Moreover, the kernels should have a white and creamy appearance. Doing these, the certainty that the corn is ready to be harvested is increased.
If the liquid coming out from the kernel is watery, you can let it continue to grow.
6: Gently Puncture A Corn Kernel With Your Finger.
You can also pierce a kernel using your finger and check the liquid coming out of it. If the liquid is clear, it means the corn is not ready for harvest. Nevertheless, if the liquid is milky, you can already harvest the corn.
Conclusion
From the tips given on how to tell when corn is ready to harvest, it is not hard to get a good production of corn. You need to know the importance of proper timing and the different signs. Having this knowledge, you will be able to enjoy eating the sweetest and best-tasting corn.
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