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Close-up of a grilled street corn cob generously topped with cojita cheese, mayonnaise, and chili powder

Best way to grow Street Corn (Elote) in 5 Steps

This guide will show you how to grow delicious street corn (Elote) in just five simple steps, ensuring a bountiful and flavorful harvest. From planting to pollination, you'll learn the essentials for cultivating this beloved corn variety right in your own garden.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 ears of corn
Calories: 100
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Basic Ingredients
  • 1 packet Corn seeds (Elote variety recommended)
  • 2 bags Compost (1.5 cubic feet each)
  • 1 box All-purpose fertilizer
  • Water (as needed)
Soil Amendments (Optional but Recommended)
  • 1 box Bone meal
  • 1 bag Azomite
  • 1 bottle Liquid seaweed

Equipment

  • Gardening gloves
  • Shovel or trowel
  • Gardening hoe
  • Watering can or hose
  • Optional: Soil thermometer

Method
 

Planting
  1. Plant corn seeds directly in the ground or in large raised beds once the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C) and after the last frost date.
Watering
  1. Water regularly, especially during dry spells and when the corn is silking and forming ears.
Fertilizing
  1. Fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer every 3-4 weeks once the plants are about a foot tall.
Pollination
  1. For optimal kernel development, hand-pollinate your corn by gently shaking the tassels over the silks every few days once they appear.
Harvesting
  1. Harvest when the silks turn brown and dry, and the kernels are plump and milky when punctured with a fingernail.

Notes

For best results, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Consider companion planting with beans and squash to enhance growth and deter pests. Monitor for pests like corn earworms and treat organically if necessary. Enjoy your homegrown Elote!