Growing Organic Corn

Never having done it before, I decided to do it. A few months ago, I planted the kernels that would become corn, someday. Without any knowledge of corn's special growing qualities, I began the experimental journey. We all love corn and this undervalued vegetable and its prized nutrients are rarely mentioned in literature on nutrition.

It was late June when the decision was made to grow organic corn. I watched what the sun did in the early morn to determine the best location for the corn-patch-to-be. If there was little sun, growth could be stunted, I imagined. All fruits and vegetables require full sun much of the day along with a well irrigated bed in which to grow. I hoped 'our' decision to plant in the chosen location was the right one. Near the dog pen, late at night, the portable fence around my jewels of the garden, would keep the ever present rabbits and raccoons at bay, I hoped. The plastic see-through tarp, fastened at the bottom edges with tent pegs, would protect the garden from all manner of attack by the night-time country intruders. (This was not a pretty fence, just a last minute, secure one.) I consulted with 'Anna' for her opinion. She had a garden that was already in full bloom, ready for harvest in a few months. ... And so the ritual began.  A rich top soil layer was added to the area, with an enriched layer of sheep's manure, the great root strengthener, on top, then another soil 'blanket'. The corn kernels had soaked for 24 hours, then planted, the next day, in neat little rows in mother nature's bed.Every few inches a deep space was made with the tool that makes such jobs easy. Into each, 2-3 kernels of corn were placed. I prayed each plant would yield something. I realized planting, in late June, in Canada, was not the best decision for corn but the idea came late and this could be an experiment, if nothing more.

Tiny bright green plants began to emerge from beneath the soil within days of planting. Soon after, circular rows of rake-like projectiles appeared at the base of some of the plants. It was bizarre sight to behold. What were these things? Was this normal for corn? 'Anchors to the plant' I was told by a gardener. I was learning fast. The potential for success was here. Tiny seedlings had begun to sprout, rapidly and randomly, everywhere. I was amazed. As time passed, these tiny green plants became thickened corn stalks, rising quickly, with their 'anchors' beneath, their long wide green billowy leaves showing me that something majestic was happening. I noticed tops with blossoms a plenty. I counted ten, then fifteen. Were these burgeoning corn husks? Of course not. That would mean only one corn cob per plant. Impossible, I thought. But everything looked so healthy and strong. Were these blossoms telling me another story? Were corn husks just around the corner? I compared what my corn patch was doing to the corn being grown in my local country neighbourhood. That other corn looked like mine. My crop was newer, further behind in its growing stage, I knew. But things were becoming interesting, nonetheless.

The weather had been co-operating very nicely throughout July and August, being very hot and humid in the high 30 degree Celsius, for long stretches of time. I was comforted by mother nature's cooperation. In previous years, the summer weather was more like fall and very wet. I waited to see what would happen next. Then, they appeared: tiny wisps of yellow hair-like strands, all over the place, adorning various spots on the thickened stalks of the corn plants. I recognized these wisps. It was the cornsilk that was on top of corn I saw in the produce aisle of the grocery store. The seeming random placement of these wisps of 'hair' gave me hope. Were corn cobs next?

September arrived with many more wisps of corn silk appearing on the stalks of corn. It began with 5, then morphed to nearly 16, with some wisps turning light brown, sadly. This could not be good. The days are getting cooler. I ate the first ear of corn, two weeks ago. It was tiny and tasteless. The kernels on it looked like dots on a log. Ana took one for closer 'examination'. I waited a few more days to taste another one. It was improving. I hoped for the heat of the days to help further the development of the remaining corn husks. Then one ear was noticed looking so much like 'real' thing. I took it off the branch. Inside were picture perfect kernels of corn, 'ear' marked for enjoyment. I took a picture of this glorious cob of corn that had grown in my garden. I had to be reminded of this gardening success story. Later that day, the cob was steamed slowly on top of the dinner leftovers, for sharing. I ate the top half; my husband, the bottom. He was impressed. So was I. Sharing was important. Wow, so good. What remains in the corn garden for harvesting will be shared as an experiment. There is little to offer, sadly. The crop grew. Next year will be better.

With GMO corn representing 90% of the corn crop grown worldwide, I had to try to grow my own. It was worth the effort. The safety of GMO crops is unproven; the health risks, too high. We love corn and the benefits that it bestows upon us. Buying it, today, however, seems like a game of roulette, not quite certain the corn I might be buying might be GMO. ... Labelling foods GMO, in Canada, is not law! ... Nice! ... We all have a right to know! ... It was easy to grow my tiny batch of corn in the tidy meter by two meter sized plot. It was an imperative to try. In the past, I had faced more daunting problems growing peppers and tomatoes. Corn was so easy. Next year, it will be easier still. I will begin sooner. After all, Mother Nature knows best.