Page 7 - North Haven Magazine Issue 29 Summer 2023

aquatic diatoms that are very sharp particles. When soft-bodied
insects crawl through the product, their bodies are cut, and they
die. Garden centers will carry the food grade quality of DE. Just
dust it on the tops of the developing ears.
Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt for short) is a natural bacterium that
produces a toxin that kills worms that eat corn and cole crops.
It is safe around humans and animals but does kill the harmful
worms. It is available in powder or liquid form.

There are several other natural ways to protect your corn, and all
your garden plants. You can look at Internet sources that provide
information about this. You do not need to share your corn with
hungry caterpillars!

Harvesting:
Sweet corn is usually ready to pick about 20 days after you see the
first signs of silk growing out the top of the ear. You can peek at the
kernels near the very top to check, but do not pull the husks down
to expose the kernels. And remember that the kernels at the tip are
a little less mature than those lower on the cob. If it is ripe, just hold
the ear and the stalk, pull down and twist the ear off.

Sweet Corn

Pudding

Recipe

This is a Thanksgiving tradition in the Brockett family. Freeze
your leftover corn from your garden for best results, but store-
bought frozen corn can be used.
1 pint of corn, thawed if frozen | 4 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt | 2 cups of milk | ¼ cup sugar
butter for pan

Mix all ingredients together except butter. Pour into
buttered casserole pan or custard cups. Cook in a pan
of hot water in oven at 350°F for about 1 hour. Insert
knife to test if done. It should be clean when removed.
Makes about 8 cups.

Cooking:
The sooner sweet corn is cooked after picking, the sweeter it will be!
So, wait to pick until you have everything else ready in the kitchen,
and your water is about to boil, or your grill is hot. Then pick, husk,
and pop it into the pot, or onto the grill. I prefer to steam corn so it
is not soggy with water, and it is quicker to bring a small quantity of
water to a boil which saves energy and time. I steam corn for about
7-8 minutes depending on the size of the corn and quantity in the
pot. Of course, have butter and salt ready, and maybe pepper, and
you are good to go!
Many people enjoy grilling and microwaving corn as well as steam-
ing it. You will find details about how to use these methods on In-
ternet websites. Most ways of cooking corn are easy and efficient!
This information will help you prepare for cultivating your own corn
next season and encourage you to try several types of corn during
the rest of this season. If you want to taste one of the best varieties
of corn, grown organically, visit Frankie Muzio at his organic farm
market on Hartford Turnpike. He can give tips on growing or check
with the Daytime Gardeners at 203-239-1557 if you have questions.

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