Broom corn is a unique and fun crop to grow in a garden. I grew it the first time to use in fall decorations but learned more about the crop during the time it grew in the garden and dried some of the corn to make small brooms with. These brooms are decorative and really work well.
photo credit: hans s

Broom corn is not truly a corn plant. It is a grass-like sorghum plant that grows in a large fan-shaped bloom and it is striking in a garden. You can purchase seeds for a natural broom look or corn seed that will give you blooms in soft natural colors. The colored blooms are wonderful in arrangements while the natural color makes great natural-bristled brooms. The uses for this dried crafting material are endless.

You may be able to find the seeds in a larger garden center but I have found I need to order seeds in my area. Most seed catalogs will have them or check online for seeds.

Planting Broom Corn

Choose an area to plant your broom corn that receives full sun. You can also mix the corn in with other ornamental plants to be used as a background later.

First prepare the soil and make sure to add plenty of nutrients; any corn plant is a heavy feeder and produce better in fertile soil. Next make a 1-inch furrow in the soil the length of the row. Corn seed does better in rows of at least four deep; it helps pollination. If space is limited plant short rows, but keep the depth in planting to insure a good crop.

Plant each broom corn kernel 1-inch deep making sure you have waited until two weeks after the last frost in your area. Cover the seed with soil. You will want to Water the broom corn very well once a week. Proper watering will mean that the soil is soaked down into the ground to about 5 or 6 inches.

Water plants in the early morning or late afternoon so that the water does not evaporate in the sun. It is always best to water deeply and not as often. Deep watering gets to the roots and is absorbed into the plant at a high rate.

As the season progresses watch you plants for disease and insects. Remove any diseased plants immediately. The insect you will be watching for are
Corn earworm caterpillars. You can prevent their bothering your plants by placing a small amount of mineral oil at the very tips of the plant. This discourages the moths from laying their eggs. The mineral oil is harmless and if you have a small patch this does not take long. And its much better than using a chemical spray.

Your crop is ready in the fall when the stalks turn tannish brown. The seed packet will give you an idea of how many days it takes to mature.

I cut the stalks on a sunny day and lay on the ground to dry. Pick up the corn before dark. I also tie it up and hang it upside down so that the corn heads dry straight. It will take a few weeks to totally dry. You can remove the seed from the head or leave on, depending on the use you have in mind for the corn. 
photo credit: saebaryo

Broom corn has many uses and you will find it’s a fun crop to grow. Add other decorative corn, pumpkins and a few dried flowers and you will have a festive fall arrangement.

Technorati Tags: creative gardening, organic gardening, vegetables

I am a big organic gardener. Chemicals do no belong on my property. I also use square foot gardening techniques and believe that everyone should grow a Victory Garden or participate in a Community Garden. This is even more important now with our economy and other nations also struggling with soaring costs.
photo credit: amatern

I saw this blog article and it is a wonderful challenge. I plan to watch its progress and hope that other will follow too and start a victory garden. Gardens can be costly to start but with care you can create one for very little cash output and raise wholesome food that is better for your family. You will also cut down on you grocery bills.

Check the article out! Twenty Dollar Organic Victory Garden Challenge

Technorati Tags: organic gardening, victory garden

At this time of year many people are starting seeds for the new gardening season. And there has always been a decision on whether to start your own seedling for the garden or to buy transplants.
photo credit: Maria Keays

There are three answers to that question. One is the experience you have in starting seeds. Do you have the right soil, lighting and know where to look for information on how to grow strong healthy plants. 

The second is cost of starting seeds verses buying plants. You will need seeds, soil, and containers for your seedlings. There is also adequate lighting, space for plants and possibly a cold frame or greenhouse for storing and protecting plants. Do these costs balance the costs or buying transplants in the spring?

And the last is plant variety and plant health. This is usually the reason I start seeds. There are varieties of vegetables and flowers that are not available in my area. I like heirloom plants and they are not as popular and many plant varieties are impossible to find.

You also do not know how the plants were handled before you buy them. If they sat in a cold climate they may have suffered plant shock and will not be as healthy or produce flowers or blossoms well. They also may have suffered from lack of water or have insect infestation. Bringing an unhealthy plant to your garden could set back your harvesting and may even hurt your other plants.

The decision on starting seedlings will be based on the answers to these questions.

• If you decide to start seeds, follow the directions on the back of the seed pack and ask questions. The Internet has almost any solution you need and remember you favorite garden center. They will be more than willing to help.

With that said, here is one of my quick tips for starting seeds. I use this method with seeds that germinate slow or need a warmer climate for germination. and for my shrub seeds. This week I am starting Rose of Sharon Shrubs and they flourish using this method. All my shrub seeds do better with the Milk Jug Hot House

Milk Jug Hot House

The milk jug hot house works well for slow starting seeds and is a great project for children for any seedling.

Rinse out a clear plastic milk jug with hot water and dish soap. Make sure it is very clean. It may not hurt to rinse it out with vinegar and to let it totally dry.  Using a knife or sharp scissors, carefully cut the jug in half. Fill the bottom half of the jug with three or four inches of good quality potting mix. Plant your seeds and water gently – you do not want to over water the seeds and soil. A very light mixture of water and liquid fertilizer will also help the seeds germinate quicker. Close the jug by placing the top back on and taping it into place with clear tape.

Place in a sunny place. The jug will create its own mini hothouse effect and take care of itself. Watering will not be necessary. The seedling will be healthy and strong in two to four weeks, depending on the seed variety. When the plants look crowded, you can transplant they into their own pots. I often use homemade newspaper pots at this time so that I can place the plant into the ground in a few weeks and not disturb the root.

You can also use clear plastic pop bottles instead of milk jugs.

Starting seeds can be a fun project and will save you money but you need to ask questions to ensure a healthy plant crop.

Technorati Tags: milk jugs, starting seeds