This is how a corn maze is created

_Elsa_

Rancid finds an interesting article about creating a corn maze. He reads it out loud to Rachel who is bored because nothing is on TV so she’s happy for the distraction.

‘In order for farmers to create a corn maze they must carefully plan their production, design, and marketing techniques in advance.

• Planting the correct variety of corn is important for the success of a corn maze. Farmers must consider stalk strength and height when selecting the right hybrid to plant.

• Farmers must watch for stalk rot since it is one of the most frequently observed diseases. Key factors for stalk rot include improper fertilization, moisture stress, and disease development.

• Moderate plant population (about 20,000 plants per acre) would be considered ideal. If moderate plant population is not followed crop crowding can occur.

• Since farmers planting for corn mazes are not growing the crop for maximum yield they should not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer. Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension recommends the total nitrogen rate for the season should not exceed about 125 pounds per acre (140 kg per hectare).

• Corn maze crops should be planted from mid to late May in the northern hemisphere, or mid to late November in the southern hemisphere. This is two to three weeks later than crops being planted for grain.

• When cutting the walkways farmers must cut the internal growing point of the stalk off to avoid regrowth. Some farmers use herbicides, roto-tillers, or mowers to cut the walkways.’ (Source)

“That’s very interesting,” says Rachel. “But how do they even begin to create a design. I’m going to take a shower.”

Let’s continue - Rancid shows Rachel a video

Start at the beginning – Seasons come and seasons go – the hayride