sweetcorn advice

[forgetmenot]

I grew and then planted out 2 blocks of sweetcorn but have noticed that some of the corn plants have not survived. Now I have gaps in my blocks and I'm not sure if I can direct sow some more seed to make up for the gaps?
The surviving corn plants are about 4-5 inches high if that helps. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Scarlet]

I don't grow sweetcorn often and when I do the do the deer come in and trash my garden . Sweetcorn need a very good summer to get a decent crop, but I don't think its too late to start off a few now. Start them indoors, prop, airing cupboard etc to get them going fast, ideally sweet corn don't like temps less than 10..so you haven't given your crop an easy start.

[WendyC]

Why not, if you've got the seed to spare. Only thought is that they might be later than the others so might not get pollinated.

[MarkPelican]

If you chit the sweetcorn, it will germinate more quickly. I put them on top of the boiler & they are ready in a couple of days. I haven't planted mine yet, they are waiting to be hardenned off before planting.

[Greenleaves]

I think you still have plenty of time to re-sow, but as Wendy suggests the new ones might not catch up. I always plant two sowings a month apart. Batch one are about 6" tall but wont go out until June, the second batch have only just broken the surface of the compost and will be ready to go out in a month.

[forgetmenot]

Thanks guys. We've passed our last frost date here now and night Temps have mostly been above 10c so I thought I'd be OK. I think I'll chit some and sow nore into an empty bed as backup just in case

[Cadalot]

You can always cut off a top from one and bag it to pollinate the late additions when they get their tassels, I always assist my corn in getting pollinated anyway, by shaking them over each other.

[Yasminh14]

If you chit the sweetcorn, it will germinate more quickly. I put them on top of the boiler & they are ready in a couple of days. I haven't planted mine yet, they are waiting to be hardenned off before planting.

I also do this, but also put the seeds between sheets of wet kitchen towel, then put the whole lot in a plastic tub with the lid on. Started to sprout within 2 days.