Corn mazes appear all over the countryside each fall as a popular seasonal activity. But after the growing season, what happens to the maize in these complex labyrinths? And how exactly are these labyrinths made in the first place?
Let’s start by discussing the issue of the number of corn mazes. Although it’s difficult to quantify precisely, there are probably thousands of corn mazes in the United States alone, and there are undoubtedly many more in other nations. Some are modest, family-run businesses, while others are sizable tourist destinations featuring a variety of mazes, hayrides, and other attractions.
However, how are these mazes made? Contrary to what many people think, they are not simply created by planting rows of maize in a specific manner. Instead, farmers painstakingly plant the corn using specialized machinery to produce the required maze layout. This can entail laying up the corn in a grid arrangement before deleting particular rows to form trails and dead ends.
What happens to the corn in a corn maze—back to the original question. The owner of the maze determines the answer. After the growing season is through, some farmers decide to harvest the corn and sell it for animal feed or other purposes. Some people choose to let the corn naturally degrade on the field, which can improve the soil for subsequent crops.
Of course, properly completing a corn maze without getting lost is its most crucial component. How then can you avoid becoming lost in a maze? Keep your palm on one of the maze walls at all times while you walk; this will keep you focused and prevent you from going backwards. Also, keep an eye out for any landmarks or distinguishing elements within the maze, like a towering corn stalk or a particularly challenging curve.
In spite of these safety measures, getting lost in a corn maze is still a possibility and happens more frequently than you may imagine. In order to assist lost guests in finding their way out, some mazes have even had to contact search and rescue personnel. It’s advisable to go to a corn maze with friends or family and make sure to stay close at all times if you want to avoid this destiny.
In conclusion, creating corn mazes requires careful preparation and execution because they are a beloved autumn tradition. The farmer who owns the corn maze decides what will happen to it after the growing season. While being lost in a corn maze is a definite possibility, with some planning and common sense, tourists can effectively engage in this enjoyable activity.