Ear-istable Corn
Ear-istable Corn
Scientists believe that corn was domesticated in Mexico by native people about 9,000 years ago and that it was developed from wild grass. It was grown in ancient times using a planting system called Milpa which is still used today throughout Mesoamerica. Milpa is essentially a polyculture planting system utilizing Corn, Beans & Squash. The… Read More »
Scientists believe that corn was domesticated in Mexico by native people about 9,000 years ago and that it was developed from wild grass. It was grown in ancient times using a planting system called Milpa which is still used today throughout Mesoamerica. Milpa is essentially a polyculture planting system utilizing Corn, Beans & Squash. The plants work together to provide necessary nutrients & living conditions that imitates the diversity found in natural ecosystems which is mutually beneficial to all. Pairing these specific crops allows the beans to use the stalks of corn for stability while providing nitrogen for the soil. The squash plants do their part by providing ground cover which helps minimize weeds and protect soil erosion. This is an excellent example of the benefits of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Corn is a valuable plant holding high status in the United States today. Not only is it used for human and animal consumption, it is also harvested and used in a wide variety of food and biofuel products. We grow three different kinds of corn on our farm. We grow two main varieties of sweet corn for human consumption, white and bi-color allocated to approximately 35 acres of farmland. Early corn is planted 
in our greenhouses from March through June then transplanted into the fields approximately 15 times throughout the season to ensure a plentiful harvest throughout the season. We begin to harvest corn typically mid July through late October and sometimes even later into the season, if weather conditions permit. We also grow a ten acre corn field on our farm for use as our popular annual corn maze and we also grow popping corn which is dried and used for popcorn.
Corn is a row crop which is a popular planting method meaning it is harvested annually, replanted and produced on a larger scale using machines. As part of our sustainable agriculture practices we rotate the crops and you may see sweet corn growing in different parts of our farm when you visit.
Corn is an imperfect flower and thereby needs help with pollination which is aided typically by the wind. Corn contains both male flowers (tassels) and female flowers (silks & ear). Pollen from the tassels needs to land on the silks in order to create a viable crop. Want to learn more about corn and pollination? Watch this video of our Assistant Farm Production Manager, John.
Looking for a unique way to enjoy sweet corn? Try this simple Polenta Corn & Roasted Tomatoes recipe provided by our Culinary & Education Specialist, Miss Jenn.
