Supersweet corn has become a local favorite. Hawaiian Supersweet No. 9A and No. 10A are popular corn varieties locally and grow well on soil with pH levels of 5.5-6.8.

Corn is sensitive to day length and is best grown during long, warm, summer days. Hawaiian Supersweet varieties mature approximately 72 to 75 days after planting. Seeds are available at your local garden shops or at the UH Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center.

It is important to plant corn in full sunlight to ensure maximum sweetness. Plant spacing is important to ensure effective pollination. Direct-seed 8 to 12 inches between plants, 30 to 45 inches between rows and to a depth of fl to 1 inch. Corn is wind-pollinated.

Small garden plots of corn should face in the direction of prevailing winds, planted in a square or circular-shaped area. Add decomposed compost with a handful of superphosphate fertilizer or bone meal to the soil to ensure good root development.

Apply a fertilizer such as 21-0-0, 46-0-0 or 16-16-16 at a rate of about 1 pound per 100 square feet, approximately three weeks after planting.

At tasseling or silking, apply 16-16-16 or 10-20-20. Plants will be ready to harvest approximately three weeks after silking.

Depending on your preference, corn can be harvested young or mature. To assess maturity, peel back a husk. If kernels pop open with pressure from your thumbnail, the ear is ready for harvest.

The color of corn silk and the fullness of ears are additional indicators of maturity.

The corn earworm, which chomps away at tips of the ear, is the most damaging garden pest. But don't worry — they don't eat much. Just chop off the tips before sharing corn with friends and family.

Sweet corn purchased at roadside stands is intended for immediate consumption.

Sugars will quickly turn to starch without refrigeration. It is best to boil corn immediately and freeze it for future use.