Corn in the backyard 2011, week 15

 August 28

Last week growing degree days = 177
Historical average growing degree days = 162

Growing degree days since planting = 2670
Historical average since planting = 2356

Another slightly-warmer-than-normal week, and since we haven't seen much rain, the corn is forced to dig its roots down deep for whatever moisture might be hiding in the soil.  We're now only a few days away from reaching the black layer stage when the kernels stop growing and start drying out.

You can't see it in this photo, but several ears in the field are displaying nice kernels all the way to the end of the ear.  I believe that's a good sign that pollination was effective despite the heat at the time.  You'll notice further drying of the husks and stalks, and at least one morning glory visible in the top photo.  Not many weeks left until harvest!