Last year’s attempt to emulate the Native American style of companion planting ended successfully for the corn, okay for the beans and not very well for the pumpkin. (Yes, I mean we only got one pumpkin.) In theory, the corn should support the vines, the beans should provide nitrogen and the pumpkins should crowd out the weeds. That’s the theory, at least; my practice wasn’t perfect.
To improve on that newbie run, we did things a bit differently this year:
1) Planted the beans/pumpkins slightly later than the corn—about a week or so. This gave the corn time to grow enough to shade the beans, which apparently don’t like too much sun.
2) Supported the beans on lightweight teepee-style trellises—DIY bamboo sticks tied with string. The fancy cedar ones we used last season looked swell until the first hard rain loosened the soil and bam! Down went the whole kit-and-caboodle on the teenaged corn.
3) Fenced early. Plan to keep the barrier in place until harvest. No sense in giving the varmints any advantages!
4) Staked the corn when necessary. Those vine tendrils can pull down baby corn stalks just as effectively as a heavy downpour. Maybe I need to plant the beans two weeks after the corn?
Meanwhile, the hot, wet weather seemed to be absolutely perfect for growing ornamental corn. Lots of compost from the winter duck pen didn’t seem to hurt either so maybe you could put it this way:
The ducks went and now the corn goes.
If you wanted to be cheeky, that is.
😉
Copyright 2013, Lori Fontanes
What the Ducks! 
ooohhh yyuummm corn. Do you know who likes corn? Do you know who likes it popped in all its goodness? Do you know who will run through the Hotel Thompson like its on fire to get to the kitchen when he hears it popping on the stove? <> That’s right. This little oinker LOVES pop corn!! I think I’m in love with you – pig swoon. XOXO – Bacon
Me, too, Bacon!!! I eat it all the time! PS, tell your mom it’s super easy to grow and doesn’t need all that much room. Hint, hint. 😉
I’m going to have to remind her of that because you know I *need* my corn – snorts. Have a great weekend my friend. XOXO – Bacon
Thx–u 2!
If the corn stalks are leaning rather than snapping you could try planting the corn in slight hollows then pulling more soil round the stems as the plants start to grow; the corn should put out new roots from the base of the stem which anchors it more securely.
Thx so much for the suggestion, Lynne! Mother Nature is pretty wily, I’m realizing. Each year brings slightly different challenges, or variations on old ones. What I did (this year) was to add a 5 or 6 ft hardwood stake for the corn to lean against. They get very strong pretty quickly and when they do, I just remove the stake and use it for some other poor plant and/or for flexible fencing against some varmint. Fingers crossed, they’re doing ok!
What variety of bean are you planting?
Ah, you ask all the tough questions! As it turns out, I mostly planted Tricolor Pole Beans (Renee’s Garden), although one of the beds has a few Calypso Bush Beans (Botanical Interests) just to see…
And are these tasty? Because I’ve only ever tried one heirloom bean, and I could have roped a calf with one of its pods! I’m looking for a bean I can steam up fresh or freeze for the winter. Have you got a recommendation? Cuz Kentucky Blues are b.o.r.i.n.g…
Hahahahaha! Well, I haven’t actually tasted these yet either so I’ll have to let you know! Will be doing a more detailed post on the what/why later. Thx for the heads up, tho. 😉