Zone 6A

I have a small plot of land 8' x 25' fully enclosed since birds are a real threat here. Soil has been amended with horse manure and tested by Penn State extension annually.

The variety I sow is Silver Queen (su variety). The seeds are treated and harvested less than 200 miles from me, same zone too. The first planting starts around mid-May and the 2nd planting is around June 1. Due to my small plot size, I space the seeds about 5 inches apart in every direction. Germination is nearly 100%. The close proximity helps to keep the stalks from falling over. When the pollination phase begins, the tassels open about 5 days before the silks appear. So by the time the silks are just about fully exposed the tassels have already exhausted all their pollen.

Pollination is never going to be 100% but I would say 60%-70% is my success rate. The ears are full and plump **but only at the bottom 3-4 inches**. The two inches at the tip are pollinated but the kernels are small and underdeveloped. Waiting on these kernels to develop would cause the kernels at the base to turn chewy and starchy.

I should also mention I only get one or two (rarely) ears on each stalk. I know a larger plot of *su* corn would be very beneficial but I don't have the space. The sweetcorn is very good and I'll continue to grow it. I'm trying to get the most bang for my buck with the small plot I have. One more thing, I have to plant in the same plot because it is the only space I have that is protected from the birds. Soil is amended to withstand a consecutive year of corn. Tips and tricks would be appreciated!

* Does the close proximity of ~5 inches, stunt the development of the pollination phase? Development of the ears?
* Would sowing earlier or later cause the pollination phase to change? (i.e. tassels open later and silks emerge earlier)