Knee High By The Fourth Of July

[Woerner]

What was the origin of the phrase 'knee-high by the fourth of July'? What was its purpose?

 

[Nathaniel]

I don't know the origin of the phrase, but it refers to how well your corn will do that year. Corn is expected to be at least knee-high by late June or early July. If it is, this usually predicts that you'll have a good yield that year. If the corn hasn't gotten off to a good start, chances are that your yield won't be good that year.

 

[Trubadour]

That's an old saying. Really old in fact. When you use the human body as a gauge for measuring, you know it's an old way of doing things. Like measuring distance on land by your gait. While you're walking, each stride is roughly 3 feet long

 

[Farmallh]

I don't know where it came from. My grandfather always said it, I say it every year. It's really how I judge corn too. It's like a guide!

 

[FarmHand]

If the corn is at your knees by the 4th of July, you'll have a good crop.