Ray's Corn-Tainer "Farm"

[rnewste]

Well, doin my part to ease the Ethanol crisis, but just a brief update at 90 days from seed going into the 'Tainer. Plants are healthy at 6ft. 6in. tall. Ears have developed nicely and pollen is falling on the tassels. May possibly be harvesting some in 2 weeks time.



Two ears per stalk are maturing:



Now, how do I curb the Futures Market?

Ray

[mcsee]

Looking good Ray.

[Tormato]

Ray,

It's usually about 20-21 days to harvest after the pollen hits the silks.

Gary

[rnewste]

Thanks Gary,

The pollen has been "falling" for about 10 days now, so perhaps by end of July I'll have my first ears on the table.



Ray

[Tormato]

Ray,

Do you know when the silks first started showing? That would give you the best estimate of when to pick.

Gary

[matereater]

Ray, how many corn stalks do you plant per container ??

[rnewste]

Gary,

I went back through my photos and it looks like the silks first appeared in one ear on June 22.

Steve,

I had planted 24 seeds per 'Tainer in the two in the photo above (April 6 on the right, and April 29 in the one on the left). It looks a bit too crowded, so on future plantings I am going to reduce density down to 18 plants per 'Tainer.

Ray

[Alberta]

Ok Ray, it all looks great!!! Since I have no room in my yard for corn, can you either tell me here or privately email me to tell me exactly how you got started with the corn in the containers? What kind of soil, how deep are those containers? I'm thinking next year, I might be able to do this.
Alberta

[rnewste]

Hi Alberta,

For the corn, it is quite easy. You simply need to just build the "base" EarthTainer, as no cages are needed. I am using a ratio of 2/3 potting mix and 1/3 Supersoil potting soil, as this maintains the necessary wicking while the potting soil gives the roots some support to stabilize the 7 ft. high stalks in the wind.

See this link for construction details: http://www.tomatofest.com/tomato-earthtainer.html

Ray

[Alberta]

Thanks Ray, I just read the whole article, downloaded the pdf and emailed it to my hubby, I think we can manage it next season, its too late here for corn now, but next year sounds great. Thanks so much again. Happy gardening.
Alberta

[rnewste]

Just picked my first ear today:




Ear is about 7 inches long and most kernels are developed. Should have let it go another week, but couldn't stand the suspense. Will be cooking it tonight with dinner.

Ray

[SunnyK]

That corn looks fabulous!!

So what has been going on in the Corn-Tainer lately? Have you been having a good harvest?

[rnewste]

SunnyK,

Corn has been progressing nicely:



I am averaging an ear every other day from the first 'Tainer:



The second one planted April 29 should start coming on this week. Have staged 2 additional ones to keep me in corn through November:



Well, off to Germany for a week, so hopefully no pests or other problems until I return...

Ray

[Earl]

Ray, you have inspired me. Next year, even if I have to bury a 4by4 post next to the EB and tie the stalks to it with rope, I'm going to grow some Silvery Queen corn!

[matereater]

oh Earl, Silver Queen has got to be the best corn ever, Good Luck !!!!!!