"Hi, Mr. Scarecrow here! I was wondering if you wanted to be in on a little secret? Yesterday, I looked into my pocket and there laid a notebook that said "diary". I read a couple pages and it seems to be about the vegetable called "corn." If you get yourself seated, I won't mind reading for a while. Perhaps that's why farmer Bill put his diary in my pocket, because there's something really important he wants me to read. So, it all starts on one cold morning on…

The 26th of April

It started out as I chose a spot in the full sun and enough humas so the ground will not dry out in hot weather. Then I checked to make sure the topsoil was deep and very fertile. I was careful not to bring the clay to the surface and also a good grade of compost into the soil. For my best results, I planted the corn in a rectangle shape of at least four rows. This might help me not only to insure pollination, but also provide some wind protection to the crop. Then I sowed the seeds directly into the ground. While I was doing the next process, which was protecting your seedlings, I discovered scarecrows would protect my corn from crows.

"No wonder I've been standing here for about six months!" said Mr. Scarecrow. "It's my job to protect the corn from the crows. I see now. I have been letting my friend Mr. Crow borrow my corn. Farmer Bill might have seen this, so he put his diary in my pocket so I could learn what I was meant for."

"Hi there, Mr. Scarecrow, I couldn't help over hearing about this diary and wanted to know if I may join in?"

"Well why not! Just, take a seat here."

"First, I have a question," said Mr. Crow. "How do you harvest corn?"

"Good question, OK let's see here... It all depends on what kind of corn, but here the yellow sweet (which is the regular corn we eat off cobs) is usually harvested from about early August to mid-October. Each plant will produce several harvestable cobs. If a watery liquid squirts out from the kernel the ear is unripe. If the discharge is creamy the ear is prime for harvesting. Whereas if the liquid is thick and somewhat solid – I'm sorry you have waited too long to harvest. Carefully twist the ripe ear from the plants stem, being careful not to injure the plant. Harvest just before you intend to cook the corn." "Speaking of corn," said Mr. Crow, "may I borrow a few cobs?"

"I'm sorry Mr. Crow but I can't. I'm protecting the corn from crows or other birds. That's what I'm meant for."

"Oh. OK I've got to go, see you tomorrow."

"OK," said Mr. Scarecrow.

Last, storage is necessary for the corn to stay fresh. Corn can stay in your refrigerator for up to three days, but can also be frozen in freezer bags. I had a nice time but now it is time to go: see you soon."