Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

View the Sweet corn page

16 Jul 16 Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Greg, I'm at Albion Park NSW 2527. Can you better explain the 3 sisters method of growing corn and beans? When you say, '2mx2mm squares', how many corn plants and bean plants should I put in per plot? Also, distance apart, etc. Do I plant the corn and beans at the same time? Would it work with corn and snow peas as well? The more detailed your response, the better..... Thanks for your help, Rob.
20 Jul 16 Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant the corn first, as suggested on the packet, in a grid pattern, so the top flower head will fertilize the corn which grows on the side of the stalk.when the corn is about 20 - 30 cms high, plant climbing beans between the corn, and train them with a twig to grow up a corn stalk. Once the beans are up plant a small vining pumpkin, like butternut,so it doesnt keep growing outside of the area. This keeps the soil covered and cool for the corn and beans. Water by putting it down between the leaves, to keep powdery mildew at bay.A handful of dry chicken manure spread around the corn and beans will help as the corn is maturing. Pick beans carefully, and help pumpkins by fertilizing female flowers with males, due to the lack of bees. Good luck
30 Jul 16 Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
I am about to plant my corn using the three sisters format do a google on three sisters garden , a good read after reading this entire post here , not the three sisters site I think I may wait till the warmer weather soil temperature is about 9 degrees in the morning and 12 degrees midday in Sydney
Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.