Wildlife value of Sweet Corn — an unexpected bonus
I planted Sweet Corn primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. far superior flavour versus supermarket produce seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.
I grow it in an allotment plot with companion planting which allows me to watch the activity up close. peak harvest in mid to late summer is the most active period for wildlife visits. consistent deep watering rather than frequent shallow watering is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. blight in warm wet summers especially on tomatoes is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.
Sweet Corn