How to Manage Pests

Harvesting and storing corn

In the summer, corn reaches its prime eating condition about 3 weeks after tasseling; in spring or late fall the interval may be about 4 weeks. As the ears approach maturity, sugars change to starch, the hull becomes tougher, and the kernels pass through stages called pre-milk, milk, early dough, and dough. At temperatures around 60° F, the ear remains in good condition for about 5 days. At 85° F it passes through all these stages in 1 to 2 days. Ears are ready to harvest when the husk is tight, the silks are somewhat dried, and kernels are fully developed and, if punctured, show a milky liquid. Avoid disturbing the husks on ears that are not ready to harvest. If harvesting during dry and windy conditions or in temperatures above 95° F, harvest rapidly because corn will quickly lose quality. Pick the ears in the coolest part of the day and either refrigerate or use quickly.