Besides warm sunny weather, corn requires rich, moist soil. In addition, before planting seeds, make sure soil temperature ranges between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, corn seeds will not germinate properly. In colder climates, cover the soil with black plastic beforehand to help warm the soil more quickly. The ideal soil for growing corn is well-drained, preferably a sandy loam. Organic matter such as compost, leaves and grass clippings can be added to soil to improve its overall quality and improve drainage, particularly for heavy clay soil. Like most vegetables, corn grows best in soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.8.