[themagicaltoad1]

We have a small allotment and are fairly new to this veg growing lark. This year we planted about 30 sweetcorn which all have lovely big cobs on them but how do you know when they are ready to be harvested? The leaves are so tightly wrapped around the cob that we can't see the corn. We peeled one a fortnight ago and the corn was white so I don't want to waste anymore.

[mumofstig]

You have to peel down some wrapper leaves to check.

how to check here
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=97394.msg1080515#msg1080515

[JayG]

Stick your fingernails into the sheath about half way down and you will be able to investigate without doing any damage - if they look small and watery they're not ready, if they are plump they might be ready (stick a trusty fingernail in one of the kernels - if a watery liquid comes out it's not ready, if it's light and creamy it's ready, if it's floury, or none at all, you're too late!.)

Good luck (still picking mine which isn't easy with crossed legs and fingers!) 

[realfood]

Some sweetcorn varieties are white and will never turn yellow.

[themagicaltoad1]

Thanks for that. I guessed the question had been asked before but couldn't find it.