How to Grow Purple Corn in Recycled Buckets

Step 1: Seed Germination

To kick-start your purple corn-growing journey, begin by germinating the seeds in a seedling compost. Here’s how:

1. Select High-Quality Seeds: Choose high-quality purple corn seeds. You can find these at local gardening stores or purchase them online. Ensure the seeds are not too old to improve germination rates.
2. Prepare Seedling Compost: Fill a small container or seedling tray with a well-draining seedling compost mix. This mix should be light, loose, and rich in organic matter.
3. Plant the Seeds: Plant the purple corn seeds approximately 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in the compost. Water the seeds gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Provide Proper Conditions: Place the container in a warm, sunny location, or consider using a seedling heat mat to maintain a consistent temperature. Keep the compost consistently moist during germination.
5. Patience is Key: It can take up to two weeks for the purple corn seeds to germinate. Be patient and monitor the progress.

Step 2: Prepare the Buckets

While your purple corn seeds are germinating, prepare your recycled buckets for planting. These buckets provide an ideal space for your purple corn plants and can be a sustainable choice for your garden. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Drainage Holes: Using a drill or a sharp object, create drainage holes in the bottom of the buckets. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil, which can harm the plants.
2. Filling with Compost: Fill each bucket with a high-quality potting mix or a homemade compost mixture. Ensure that the soil is well-aerated, loamy, and nutrient-rich. Leave a few inches at the top to allow space for planting.

Step 3: Planting the Seedlings

Once your purple corn seeds have germinated, it’s time to transfer them into the prepared buckets:

1. Transplant Carefully: Gently remove the seedlings from the seedling tray or container, being careful not to damage the roots.
2. Planting Depth: Dig a hole in the compost in the bucket that is deep enough to accommodate the roots and the seedling. Plant one seedling per bucket.
3. Spacing: Ensure each bucket has ample space to allow for proper growth. Corn plants should be spaced around 9-12 inches apart in each bucket.

Step 4: Watering and Nurturing

Proper care and nurturing are essential for healthy purple corn plants:

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the buckets when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
2. Fertilization: As the seedlings grow, supplement their nutrition by adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Step 5: Ongoing Maintenance

Growing purple corn in recycled buckets requires ongoing attention and care:

1. Pruning: As the corn plants grow, remove any dead or yellowing leaves to promote air circulation and prevent disease.
2. Support: Corn plants can grow tall and may need support to prevent them from falling over in strong winds. Use stakes or trellises to support the plants.
3. Pest Control: Regularly inspect your purple corn plants for pests like aphids, corn earworms, or rodents. Use appropriate organic or chemical remedies as needed.
4. Harvesting: Purple corn is ready for harvesting when the kernels have fully developed and turned dark purple. This usually occurs 2-3 months after planting.

If you need more help, watch this video: