AdewebsBefore you begin to grow corn, you might want to read through this article on how to grow maize so that you can get it right. Maize is a cash crop that can be grown on a small or large scale for commercial and export purposes.
The step-by-step guidance on growing maize includes field selection, seedbed preparation, select maize variety, planting, irrigation and fertilization, weed and pest/disease control, and harvest.
So, from all indications, this article is compiled to teach you how to grow maize. Journey with us to learn more.
How to Grow Maize
I know you are interested to learn more about the steps outlined above, so we will continue our discussion about each step below.
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Step 1: Field selection
You have to select a field where you will grow your maize. There are important details you need to consider when selecting your field.
Make sure the field is located at the right altitude, with quality soil that will aid maize germination such as medium loams that are free-draining, and will warm up early in the season to give young plants the best start preferred. Also, the field should have access to sufficient light
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Step 2: Land Preparation
The next course of action is to prepare the land for cultivation. Existing trees, shrubs, and grasses that will hinder farming should be cleared from the farmland.
The soil should be tilled and harrowed either manually or mechanically. Then leveled and organic manure should be applied to improve soil nutrients.
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After the land clearing process, with the use of a hoe or any mechanical equipment, you should make elevated seed beds where the maize seedlings will be planted.
Step 3: Select Maize Variety
You will find in the market numerous maize varieties that you can purchase and plant. However, you should go for the best quality seedlings, preferably hybrid seeds that have been treated to resist pests and diseases.
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Ensure you contact a reputable maize farmer, farm store, or any other trusted source to purchase your maize seedlings. More so, inspect the seeds to be sure they are still good for planting.
Step 4: Planting
Now that you have all you need to grow maize in place, it is time to plant the seeds. All you need to do is to make a hole on the seedbed and pour 2 to 3 seeds per hole and cover back with soil.
It is best to plant in the evening when the weather is cool. Also, make sure you cover the seedlings properly so that birds and rodents won’t remove them.
After planting, water the farm mildly so that the soil will retain moisture that will let the germination process begin.
Step 5: Irrigation and Fertilization
Irrigation is necessary, especially during dry seasons or in an area with inadequate rainfall. The sprinkler irrigation system is best to avoid overflooding the farmland but supply adequate water to the plants daily.
If your plant is not growing well, you need to introduce fertilizer, be it organic or inorganic to ensure the plants grow well. Different fertilizers are manufactured for various plants, and the application measurement differs.
Step 6: Weed and Pest/Disease Control
Weeds tend to grow alongside maize plants to contend for space and nutrients. That is why you need to weed your farm to get rid of unwanted plants by using simple farm tools like hoes to uproot weeds. Also, chemicals can be mainly used in large-scale commercial farming.
Some diverse pests and diseases affect maize plants during germination. That is why you ought to be on the lookout to ensure your maize plants are safe. Through the spray of pesticides, pests and insects can be controlled and kept at bay from infesting the farm to avoid plants being diseased.
Step 7: Mulching
Maize requires moist soil to thrive. Ensure to mulch the soil to retain moisture, using dry leaves, grass, or weeds to cover the farm bed to protect both the plant and soil from excessive sunlight and other future danger.
Step 8: Harvest
Once your maize plants mature, you can begin to harvest the cobs. The method of harvest differs for several plants.
How Long Does It Take Maize To Grow?
On average, maize can grow between 60 to 100 days.
What Does Maize Need To Grow?
Maize needs adequate water and quality soil to grow well. That is why you have to water the plants daily, especially during the germination stage, and also add fertilizer to boost soil nutrients that will aid growth.
What Month Is Best To Plant Maize?
The month of July and August is the best to plant maize.
Does Maize Need A Lot Of Water?
Maize thrives well in moist, well drained soil. However, you need to water the plant twice daily during the first week and then once daily in the second week.
Does Corn Need A Lot Of Water?
Yes, corn needs a lot of water because they require moist soil to germinate properly.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Maize?
A fertilizer high in nitrogen is the best for maize because they enhance plant growth.
How Do I Start Maize Farming?
To start maize farming, you have to select appropriate farmland with the right soil quality, prepare the farmland and make seed beds where the seedlings will be planted.
Visit a trusted source to select maize variety, and plant the seeds on the seed beds. Ensure you maintain your maize farm by irrigation and fertilization application, weed and pest/disease control, and harvest when mature.
Which Soil Is Best For Growing Maize?
Sandy-loam is the best and ideal soil for growing maize.
What Is The Difference Between Corn And Maize?
There is no difference between Corn and Maize because they are the same plant.
What Is The Spacing Of Maize?
The ideal spacing of maize farming is 75-85cm spacing between rows, and or 25 to 40cm spacing in a row.
How Many Maize Cobs Does A Plant Produce?
One maize plant can produce 2 to five maize cobs.
Should You Water Corn Every Day?
You need to water corn every day until the growth stage because corn has deep roots and it benefits from deep, soaking, and watering.
Which Type Of Irrigation Is The Best Maize?
The sprinkler irrigation system is best for maize because the soil will not be overflooded.
How Long Does It Take For Maize To Germinate?
It takes 6 to 10 days for maize to germinate.
How Many Bags Of Maize Can I Get From One Acre?
Averagely, you can get 20 to 22 bags of maize per acre.
How Do You Apply Liquid Fertilizer To Maize?
To apply liquid fertilizer to a maize plant, dig a hole 5 cm from the base of the plant, fill it with fertilizer, and then cover it with soil.
Does Corn Regrow Every Year?
Corn does not regrow after harvest. However, if the seedling happens to fall on fertile soil, it can grow again.
How To Grow Maize At Home
To grow maize at home, you can make use of planting trays, pots, grow bags, or any other suitable container. Fill the planting container with potting mix or compost and water mildly. Make a hole in the soil and pour 2 seeds per hole, and then cover back with soil.
How To Grow Maize Step By Step
Step 1: Get a Farmland
Step 2: Prepare the Farmland
Step 3: Make Farming Beds or Planting Holes
Step 4: Purchase Maize Seedling
Step 5: Maize Seed Planting
Step 6: Mulch the Farm Beds
Step 7: Weeding and Pest/Disease Control
Step 8: Fertilizer Application
Step 9: Harvest
How To Make Money From Maize Farming
To make money from maize farming, you have to
- Sell the maize cobs
- Sell maize seedlings for transplanting
- Maize processing
How Long Does Maize Take To Grow
It takes maize an average of 60 to 100 days to grow.
Land Preparation For Maize Production
To prepare your farmland for maize production, follow the steps below.
Clear the Farmland
Clear the farmland by removing debris, and unwanted plants such as grass, shrubs, and trees. Farmland clearing can be done manually using cutlass and other farm tools; however, this process can take a long.
It can also be done using mechanically depending on the size of the farmland with equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, tractors & backhoes.
Removal of Wastes
Remove all the dirt and debris from trees, plants, and shrubs that have been cut down from the farm. You can burn them or pack them to be thrown away.
Till the Farmland
Farmland tilling is an essential process in maize production preparation. Tilling of farmland help loosen and mix the soil, as well as remove any strong roots that will affect crop planting. Also, you should harrow the land so the soil surface could be smooth to allow easy absorption of water and nutrient into the soil.
Level the Farmland
Level the farmland to remove bumps and cover deep holes that can affect the distribution of water and nutrient in the plants.
Water the Farmland
You have to make irrigation systems to supply water to the farm so that both soil and maize plant can retain their moisture. During raining season, you might not need irrigation.
Spray the Farmland
Finally, spray the farmland to get rid of stubborn plants that can re-grow fast with herbicides to protect the land from the germination of weeds and insect/pest infestation.
Maize Planting Spacing
Maize planting spacing is 75-85cm spacing between rows.
Land preparation for maize production PDF
The land preparation for maize production PDF is compiled with detailed information on appropriate land preparation that will serve as a guide for you during the land preparation phase for maize production.
Conclusion
Now you have complete knowledge of how to grow maize. The information compiled here is targeted to help you successfully grow maize either for personal consumption or for commercial purposes. So, if you find this material helpful, do give us feedback.
