I'm planning to plant a block of corn in my community garden this year, but I'm unsure about the best way to start them. Since corn doesn't like being transplanted and our nighttime temperatures in zone 8b can drop below 50°F until June, I'm considering starting the seeds in peat pots and then transplanting them. What methods have worked for you when starting corn in 8b?
3 Answers
Transplanting corn can actually work well! I live in the Pacific Northwest and I've germinated mine indoors without any issues. Just make sure to harden them off before moving them outside; that really helps with the transition.
In my experience, the USDA Hardiness Zone isn't really the key factor for growing corn. What's important is the soil temperature—aim for around 70°F for sweet corn to germinate well. So if you can get your soil temperatures right, you should be fine!
I've transplanted corn with success too! I'm in Scotland, which is also zone 8, and I started mine indoors recently. Corn does just fine when transplanted, counter to what some people say about it not liking it. Give it a go!
Exactly, you can't just rely on those zones for everything! Sometimes plants can struggle even in warmer zones if the conditions aren't right.