I recall that the tassels come first (I didn't grow corn last year, so I'm a touch fuzzy myself). I remember the tassels on the tops of the plants, then later ears on the sides.

I never fertilized, and it produced fine. I only watered when the soil got dry; the corn never showed any signs of being particularly water sensitive.

That is normal. It is called VT Vegatative Tassel Stage.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:66536}}

Thanks so much for the responses! The info, both written and visual are much appreciated! =)

Mark

If your patch is small, you may want to shake off the pollen when the ear silks appear.

I definitely plan on shaking to assist in pollination.

What are signs of over-watering corn? Soil is definitely getting dry here in Arkansas after a very wet spring?

Can corn take a deep watering like with a soaker hose?

hello tis is first post
but been hear looking along time
as for sweet yummy corn get an electic fence !!!!
had a 5/5 foot bed of it and it disapeared over night !!!!
hmmm lets see ground hogs eat stalk and leave corn
racoons....havent seen any
tree rats would have left a mess of husks
hmmm mabe two legged rats ?????

I always use a soaker hose in my garden; never had any probs with the corn. It seems to be loving all this rain we're getting up here this year, too.

Around here, it's the chipmunks and squirrels that love to eat the corn. Not the plant, just the seeds and ears.