10-10-10 at the proper application rate (I think it is 2-3 lbs./100 sq. ft.) is often recommended for corn prior to planting but additional nitrogen is probably a waste at that time. Additional nitrogen applications should be applied when the corn is 8-12" tall and then again when it begins to silk. Urea 46-0-0 is a good and inexpensive nitrogen fertilizer for corn at these stages.

Thanks!!

I agree with Lone Jack.

My horticulturist friend told me that Urea is a slow release fertilizer and not good for side dressing.

"and not good for side dressing."

Well many commercial corn growers would disagree as they use tons of it and have for decades. ;-)

Seriously, that is far too broad a statement to make about urea. Urea itself is very water soluble so quick dissolving. But it comes in many different forms. The release rate all depends on IF it is coated or not (coated are slower) and which coating is used on it (sulfur, polymer, etc,).

Dave

is urea considered Organic?, I know I have used blood meal 13-0-0 before to increase nitrogen

Thanks, Dave. I think I'll just stick to 6-6-6 that I already have. I grew corn a few years ago and it grew well.

Your choice but 6-6-6 is low nitrogen for corn - it is one of the biggest nitrogen eaters there is - and too high in phos.

is urea considered Organic?

In and of itself- yes. But it depends on the product you buy. Certified organic? No.

Dave

Thanks, digdirt. I have plenty of time to adjust my thinking. What would you fertilize it with?

Like Lonejack said - urea. It is what is used to grow 90% of the corn in this country. I prefer either fine prill or broken prill as they dissolve faster. For example:

Alpha Chem Fine Prill Urea

But any high N fertilizer will work, even Miracle Grow 18-18-21 will work when applied often enough and at the right time. But it is too high in P and K for me so only wastes them unless your soil is already low in both P and K (which is rare).

Blood meal works as it is 12-0-0. You just have to apply it more often. You can also buy fertilizers made for lawns as they are predominately N. The point is you want something that is at least 12+ N .

Dave

Thanks, Dave. I know where I can buy blood meal. I'll have to look around for the Urea.

Urea can be found at Farmers co-ops around here. Cost is around $25 for a 50 pound bag. 50 lbs. might last you several years depending on how big your garden is, but it can also be used as lawn fertilizer or as a nitrogen input to a compost pile if you are short on 'greens'. I use it for fertilizing onions, garlic, lettuce, brassicas, or any other nitrogen lover.

Agree. Most any farm and/or feed store, tractor supply, co-op or similar store carries urea in some form. It also has the advantage over blood meal of not attracting varmints to the garden.

Dave

Thanks for the heads up, Dave. The last thing I need is varmints in my garden. I think one of the local farm stores will probably sell Urea.

How would you go about applying the urea…I bought the one Dave listed and want to apply to my corn in a raised bed. Do I sprinkle it down the rows or mix with water to apply?