can i get some help please

[lay_reb]

i have just got a ten pole allotment and was wondering about crop rotation i would like to plant some sweet corn do i need to plant something there first? The guy who had it before me was already growing them can i just re plant or can i leave the ones there that are already there?????

[Clanad]

Since corn of any variety depletes nitrogen it's a good idea to either rotate crops, as you've suggested, or to fertilize with nitrogen at the time of planting as well as at least once more in mid season. Many certified organic growers of sweet corn have a detailed crop rotation plan that, in some cases, extends for up to 5 years. Usually, a legume, such as beans or peas will do the job. The rotation assists in weed, disease and insect control as well.

If you'd like to grow sweet corn in the same plot next year, you could work in some 'green' (fresh) cow manure a few weeks before planting season actually arrives. If the ground isn't frozen, you even put it on now and turn the soil over with a fork or spade to a depth of at least 6 inches. I'd still fertilize each 6 weeks with a nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The numbers that are on the bag represent each of the constituents by weight. I'd use, say, 15-10-10 or so. Work it in well and water after a few days.

Keep in mind that corn, of any kind, is wind pollinated, rather than by insects. So, plant in blocks of at least 4 rows (more is better) over against long narrow rows for better pollinization...

Best of luck!