There are actually a plethora of differnet varieties of corn out there that people don't normally think of: This year I am growing an eating corn called Golden Bantam Corn (an heirloom variety), another variety that I am going to make flour from but you can also eat called Indian Blue Corn (another Heirloom), Andian Blue Corn (destined to be flour and yes, it is also an Heirloom) and finally, Pink Pomegranate Popcorn.
You guessed what I will be using the last one for. You can also eat the last variety when it is young.
Anyway, Corn is a heavy feeder and needs to be grown in soil that is highly enriched with nutrients. It is very important to add lots of compost, manure and such to the soil before planting the corn. I personally have really sandy soil in my garden and have layed down a layer of manure followed by coffee grindings and coffee bean chaff. After that, I put another layer of manure, followed by a layer of excellant soil that we made last year. (Actually, the worms made it)
Anyway, if it only the plan were that simple. Manures don't just include animal excrement. On March 1 I will be planting white clover over my entire garden but, extra densely in the corn area. After mowing it a few times, the clover will be turned into the soil. Finally, along with the corn there will be peas, beans, melons, cucumbers and potatoes planted in the same area. These are all companion plants of CORN .
Also, I plant on planting some corn in the area where I will be growing my squash as corn is a companion plant to squash. And a note on different manures. Corn does not grow well in Chicken manure. And I have chicken manure in the squash area of my garden. Therefore, I do not expect to get any fruit from the corn up there.
Now, you know everything I know about corn.