Vegetables Gardening - Growing Organic Vegetables

Hello Jim and everyone,
I just listened to the most recent Garden Doctor show. Even though I have the training videos, this show really helped me finally, completely understand starting seeds. Well, I HOPE so. Thank you!

My family really wants me to grow corn this year. Can I get by with just one grow bed? Will I need to use a tassel to brush the silks manually, or will the alternating placement of the plants be sufficient?

Another question is...can I use a white 40% shade cloth during the extreme Arizona heat? The 22% is not as cheap and easy to get. What kind of difference will it make? Is aluminum net better or longer lasting than the white? I'm using this on the tomatoes.

Thanks a bushel! Anna

Anna & Group:

Planting corn every 8 inches on both sides of the box or soil-bed, with doubles occasionally, works for me. I've never gone to the trouble of brushing the silks manually, but when you have only one bed it might not be a bad idea, since everything depends on the silks getting pollinated.

Just a reminder - I don't recommend the small gardener devote space to corn, because it takes so much space for a small return.

Are you shading for the entire day? If so I don't recommend 40% shade. If you place it so as to only shade during the hottest part of the day, with direct sunshine for several hours, it might be alright. Even 22% shade for the entire day will affect the yield, but if it keeps the heat down so as to save the plants from cooking it's worth it.

I can't answer for aluminum vs other materials, sorry.

Jim Kennard

• New Members 6