Growing corn in a 5-gallon bucket is a great way to try container gardening. Choose a dwarf or sweet corn variety that fits within the height of your bucket and plant it about two inches deep in well-draining soil with drainage holes at the bottom.
Keep your plants in an area with plenty of direct sunlight and fertilize them regularly with organic fertilizer. Remember to inspect your plants for signs of infestations and take preventive measures against pests like squash vine borers.
Plant sweet corn
If you’re short on garden space, don’t worry! You can still grow sweet corn plant in containers. All you need is a five-gallon bucket and some quality soil. Choose a dwarf variety that won’t grow too tall, such as ‘Golden Bantam’ or ‘Peaches and Cream.’ Fill the bucket with peat-based potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Plant the sweet corn seeds about an inch deep and six inches apart. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent excess water from accumulating. Corn is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it with organic fertilizer once a month.
Corn needs plenty of sunlight, so place it in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct full sun light each day. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. When the plants reach about four inches tall, thin them to one plant per container.
Plant pole beans
Pole beans are a great companion plant for sweet corn. They can be grown in the same container or separate containers next to each other.
To grow pole beans, use a larger container than you would for sweet corn, such as a 10-gallon container. Pole beans will climb up the sweet corn stalks, providing natural support for both plants. This also maximizes vertical space in your garden bed or container garden.
Plant winter squash
Winter squash is another great companion plant for sweet corn. You can grow it in a five-gallon bucket, but larger containers are recommended for larger varieties. Use peat-based potting soil mixed with quality compost or grass clippings to improve soil conditions.
Winter squash is a heavy feeder, so fertilize with organic fertilizer once a month. Make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent excess water from accumulating at the bottom. Space your plants properly to prevent overcrowding and allow air circulation around each plant.
You can also plant pepper plants alongside your sweet corn and winter squash for added variety in your container garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing corn in a 5-gallon bucket is a great option for those who want to try container gardening.
Choose a dwarf variety or sweet corn variety that fits within the height of your bucket, and plant it about two inches deep in well-draining soil with drainage holes at the bottom. Keep your plants in an area with plenty of direct sunlight and fertilize them regularly with organic fertilizer.
Remember to inspect your corn plants for signs of infestations and take preventive measures against pests like squash vine borers. With patience and care, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh sweet corn right from your container garden!
