Download Green Fingers (NUT0023T)

GREEN FINGERS
Growing your own vegetables and cooking them for your family or friends is
great fun! If you have a spot in the garden at home perhaps you could try
growing some corn. Corn grows better with a few stalks but if you follow the
instructions you can even get a couple to grow well. Follow the easy steps
below – you could even have a growing competition with some friends!
GROWING SWEETCORN
1. Choose a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind.
2. Use fertile soil. (It is great if you have dug in some compost over
Winter). Two weeks before planting dig in fertiliser.
3. Plant your seed any time from now until December. Push the seed
2cm into the soil with 30 – 45cm between each plant. Water well to
bring on germination. Plant several rows of corn – this helps with the
pollination of the kernels. The corn seed will take about 10 – 12 days
to germinate.
4. Encourage cobs with large kernels all over by assisting with pollination.
Shake the tassel-like flowers on the top of the plant (male part) onto
the cobs (the female parts are actually the silken threads wrapped
around the cob).
5. If roots grow from the bottom of the stem, cover them with dirt to
strengthen the base. If the stem begins to bend, strengthen with a
bamboo stake.
6. Corn cobs are ready to pick after about 14 weeks when the tassels at
the end of the cob turn brown.
7. Cook corn cobs by:
•
Peel and boil in water for a few minutes
•
Put whole corn, including the leaves in the microwave for a few
minutes
•
To barbecue, peel off leaves, remove silken threads, replace
leaves and cook.
Some information from The Tui NZ Vegetable Garden by Sally Cameron
Healthy Nibbles
Nutrition Updates for Secondary Pupils
Date: October 2010
Code/Reference: NUT0023T
Authorised by: Nutrition and Physical Activity Team
For more information visit: www.cph.co.nz