Sweetcorn problem - apply within!

[JerryB]

My sweetcorn (planted 28/4 in a tray) and subsequently transfered last night to 4" pots are about 6"-8" tall at the moment - looking at planting them out in about 3 weeks, they seem to be quite spindly though (photo on request!) do they need any support at all (eg. canes) on planting in the plot???? Also, what is the plastic bottle thing!? Do you only need to do this if you plant directly in the soil?
Any help gratefully received!!! Cheers!

[JerryB]

[SueM]

The "plastic bottle thing" is 2-litre plastic fizzy drinks bottles (Cola etc) cut in half 'around the way'. and each half used as a mini cloche to protect a young plant from frost and slugs. One year I tried half my sweetcorn under plastic bottle cloches and half under fleece. The ones under fleece grew better.

I use plastic bottles more to protect young plants from slugs and snails.

I'm in Central Scotland and planted out my sweetcorn today with no protection. If it looks as though there's going to be frost I'll put some fleece over them. I've found this worked okay in the past.

Sue

[tim]

All good sense.

No canes! 18" apart - in a block. Tim

[Mrs Ava]

Good, if it's okay for sunny scotland, then it is okay for sunny Essex - my corn will be hitting the plot on Sunday!  hoorah!

[Wicker]

I'm Central Scotland too Sue but am a coward!  Sweetcorn does seem plenty big enough to go and I just might do it this weeked but put fleece over them as you suggest.  Here's hoping it stays mildish.