Cultivation of Corn

Typically the best land to plant was what had been in forest for a number of years. Shade would have killed out grass and weeds. Once the tall plant cover had been cut and burned off, grass would start to return. After two or three years in corn, a plot would have to be abandoned because of competition from the thickening grass. That plot would be abandoned to let trees and brush come back and again shade out the problem plants. After a dozen years or so of forest regrowth, the cycle could be repeated. However, in some areas with comparatively rich soil, a corn field could be cultivated almost continuously with the help of vigorous weeding.

Mature corn cobs were bent downward so that rain would not get in them and cause mildew. Sometimes the dry cobs were picked and taken straight to the kitchen as needed; in other situations storage bins were built. Loss of grains to birds and vermin was often high.