What should I do when more than two plant emerge per stand?

When more than two plants emerge per stand, it is important to thin them out to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow and develop properly. Thinning involves removing the weaker or less vigorous plants, leaving only the healthiest and strongest ones.

To thin maize plants, wait until they have developed their first set of true leaves and then remove the weaker plants with scissors or garden shears, leaving only one or two of the strongest plants per stand. Thinning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the remaining plants, and it is best done in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize stress on the plants. Thinning allows the remaining plants to have access to more nutrients, sunlight, and water, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields at harvest.