Corn mazes are made by first planting corn, often using a tillage tractor to prepare the land and a planter to plant the seeds. Many farmers use a cross- planting method (planting corn seeds at right angles, north-south and east- west) to create a denser stand so visitors cannot see through to other paths. The corn grows until it reaches a certain height, then paths are created either by cutting down the corn in the designated maze pattern or by planting the corn in the maze shape using GPS technology. Many large corn mazes start with a design created on a computer. Some farmers hire professionals who use computer-aided design and GPS-guided tractors or machinery to cut the maze paths precisely. Others use traditional methods like drawing the pattern on paper and cutting the paths on foot with tools such as modified weed whackers or tillers. Once the paths are cut, they are often tilled to prevent regrowth of corn in the paths. The corn remaining grows tall and thick, forming the maze walls.
In summary:
- Land is prepared and corn is planted, sometimes in a dense cross pattern.
- Corn grows to a sufficient height.
- Maze design is created digitally or on paper.
- Paths are cut by hand or with GPS-guided machinery.
- Tilling ensures no regrowth in paths.
- Remaining corn forms the maze walls.
This process combines farming techniques with precise design and cutting technology to create the intricate and fun corn mazes seen in agritourism.
