Corn is a heavy feeder and needs good drainage, full sun, and warm soil. Apply compost plus a slow release plant food in the spring. Corn will also benefit from supplemental feeding during the summer with a fast acting liquid plant food. If you see the leaves turning a pale yellow especially the lower leaves that is a sign they need more nitrogen and if you have yellow leaves plus missing kernels in the ears you have a lack of phosphorus. Wood ashes around the base of the plants will quickly add phosphorus, but feeding every few weeks with a foliar plant food gives the biggest yield. Corn also needs at least one inch of water a week so if you live in an area with dry summers consider how you will irrigate the young corn plants. It is especially crucial that the plants have enough water when they are at the silk stage (just showing tassels from the young ears) or the kernels may not develop. Loosening the soil to a depth of 18 to 24 inches will encourage deep roots so the crop will need less water and nutrients. Better have a big freezer as a half acre of well fed soil is going to give you plenty of corn for your family. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti