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Maize (corn) is a staple in many homes — from roasted cobs to pap and animal feed. The good news? You don’t need large farmland to grow it. With the right steps, you can successfully start a small maize farm right behind your house and enjoy a healthy harvest.
Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
📍 Step 1: Choose the Right Variety of Maize
Different maize varieties serve different purposes. Decide what you want to use your maize for and choose accordingly:
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Sweet corn – best for boiling or roasting
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Flint or Dent corn – good for processing into flour or animal feed
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Hybrid maize – high-yield and disease-resistant (recommended for small spaces)
✅ Get seeds from a trusted agro dealer to avoid low-quality or expired seeds.
🌞 Step 2: Pick the Right Spot
Maize loves full sun and well-drained soil. Find an area that:
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Gets 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
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Is free from shade by trees or buildings
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Has loose, fertile soil (or can be improved with compost)
🪴 Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Good soil prep is the foundation of a healthy maize crop.
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Clear the area: Remove weeds, grass, and stones
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Loosen the soil: Dig 8–10 inches deep using a hoe or shovel
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Add organic matter: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure for nutrients
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Create ridges or flat beds depending on your space and drainage
🌱 Step 4: Planting Your Maize
Maize is best planted at the beginning of the rainy season, or under irrigation if you have access.
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Spacing:
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75 cm (2.5 feet) between rows
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25 cm (10 inches) between plants in a row
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Planting depth: 3–5 cm deep
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Seeds per hole: 1 or 2 (thin out later if both germinate)
Water immediately after planting if rain is not expected.
💧 Step 5: Watering and Maintenance
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Water regularly, especially during the early growth and flowering stages
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Weed often: Weeds compete for nutrients and slow maize growth
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Add fertilizer or compost when plants are knee-high for extra boost
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Watch out for pests like armyworms or cutworms — neem spray or early detection can help
🐦 Step 6: Protect Your Crop
Birds and rodents can reduce your yield if not controlled early.
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Use scarecrows, shiny tape, or netting
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Keep your compound clean to reduce rodent activity
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Harvest as soon as the maize is mature
🌽 Step 7: Harvesting
Your maize is ready when:
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Husks turn brown and dry
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Kernels are hard and full
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Cobs feel firm when pressed
Cut the maize stalks, remove the cobs, and dry them properly before storage.
✅ Final Thoughts
Starting a small maize farm behind your house is a smart way to grow food for your family or even for small-scale sales. With basic tools, good seeds, and consistent care, you can enjoy a healthy harvest in just 3–4 months.
Farming at home isn’t just about food — it’s about independence, savings, and satisfaction. Ready to plant your first maize seed?
