These instructions were not copied from a book or another web site like many are. Here at Dogwood Gardens Organic Farm we have grown over 160,000 trays of wheatgrass over the years. During this time we have paid for our mistakes with crop failures. Unlike many other growers that might lose a few at a time, we would lose as many as 150-200 trays at a time. The biggest problem was a small yield, 5 to 8 oz. Juice Bars can't make money with low yield wheatgrass trays. But that was over a decade ago. Today, we know what's important for consistent wheatgrass production. I hope the following instructions will help you avoid some of the problems we encountered.
Wheatgrass is easy to grow. Soak the seed for about 12 hours, then drain for about 12 hours. After that you sprinkle the seed on almost any porous surface, and watch it grow. The porous surface allows the root to attach and hold the plant upright. We have dropped seed on the floor, left some in a bucket, and if kept moist and above 60 degrees F., they will surprise you how they will grow 7-8 inches tall, with no soil. Now let's add some soil. It doesn't matter how poor the soil is, it will still grow. It doesn't matter if the wheat seed is a variety of wheat seed used for donuts, pasta, pizza, or crackers, it will still grow into wheatgrass. Now that I have said that, lets re-phrase the question, "How to Grow Nutritious Wheatgrass". Well that's easy too. It starts with the right seed, (the right variety and species and organic of course),a highly mineralized soil, and a good growing environment.
Genesis Organic Wheatgrass Seed
Click here for information on different varieties and species of wheat seed.
Genesis Wheatgrass Soil
Click here for information on what's needed for nutritious wheatgrass soil.
Since we have been able to help you with your selection of soil and seed, your environment will be your biggest challenge. Wheatgrass in usually grown indoors. For those who ask, yes it can be grown outdoors. It can be grown outside if you have a shady location. Wheatgrass can be grown outdoors during the fall and spring months before the weather gets too hot. Wheatgrass does not like being over 90 degrees F. It prefers 60-70 degrees F. During the hot days of summer, the black growing trays will absorb the heat of the sun and can easily overheat the roots. Wheatgrass can be grown outdoors during the winter months if kept from freezing. The colder the weather the slower it will grow. Aso remember the childhood poem, birdie, birdie in the sky. You will have to protect your wheatgrass outside from birds flying overhead, prowling cats and other critters. For consistent wheatgrass production, cleanliness and protection, its just better to grow wheatgrass indoors. Since we have customers from hot humid Florida to cold dry Utah, it's hard for us to tell you which location in your home is the best. You will need to experiment as to which location in your home does the best.
With the proper seed, soil and environment, the following directions should get you started. Good Luck!
The Wheatgrassman.
Wheatgrass does not need direct sunlight. If you have adequate sunlight to grow plants indoors, you should be able to grow wheatgrass. Wheatgrass Seed needs at least 60 degrees F. or higher to sprout. Once the little seedlings reach a height of 1/4 to 1/2 inch high, you can lower the temperature. You will find it grows slower under 60 degrees F. The best temperatue is between 60-75 degrees F. with good air circulation. The warmer the temperature, the faster it grows. Keep in mind, the slower it grows with a cooler growing temperature, the longer it has to draw up the rich minerals from highly mineralized Genesis Wheatgrass Soil. (reference the link to Genesis Wheatgrass Seed). If the temperature starts getting above 80 degrees F., you will need to increase air circulation. Wheatgrass does not like being over 90 degrees F.. Keeping it a little on the dry side, instead of the wet side will help control mold. Mold likes it hot and wet with little air circulation.
Wheatgrass Growing Instructions
If growing Wheatgrass in standard 10" x 20" wheatgrass growing tray we recommend 12 oz. of wheatgrass seed
(1 1/2 cup).
It should take 7-15 days depending on the weather and temperature.
1. Pour Wheatberries (wheatgrass seed) in quart jar, rinsing several times. Let soak in water for about 12 hours. The timing is not a hard fast rule. It means to soak your wheatgrass seed in the morning and then drain your wheatgrass seed in the evening. If experiencing mold problems, soak in a baking soda solution. 1 level Tablespoon of baking soda to 1 gallon of water.
2. Drain wheatgrass seed and rinse well. You can cover your jar with a cheesecloth and rubberband for draining, or use a sprouting jar, or just pour your wheatgrass seed into a colonder. If pouring into a colander, cover with a damp paper towel while draining. If using a jar, set jar upside down at a 45 degree angle, let drain for 12 hours or overnight.
3. The next morning, empty the Genesis Wheatgrass Soil into the growing tray. (2 qts. of soil ) Spray soil with water to dampen. Spray with water as you spread the soil. If you spread the soil in the tray and then try to water, it will be very difficult to get the soil wet all the way through. Test wetness of soil by poking a hole in the soil with your finger. If using a different size tray, add enough soil for approximately 1/2" depth.
4. Spread wheatgrass seed on top of damp soil.
5. Water the planted tray with spray bottle or watering can. Cover with a paper towel and then spray the paper towel, or cover the planted tray with an upside down tray, propping the corner up with a jar lid or other object to allow air circulation inside the tray. Keep damp for 3-4 days. Continue to water daily, once in the morning and once at night. The temperature of 60-70 degrees F. work best. The Wheat Grass Seed must be kept moist to germinate.
6. When the young seedlings reach a height of 1" - 1 1/2 ", remove top tray and place in indirect sunlight. A general rule is to water twice daily. Humidity, temperature, and air circulation will determine how often you will water. What you water your wheatgrass with and how thoroughly you water your wheatgrass will effect how often you must water. If you have a flexible spray hose in your kitchen sink, it would be ideal for watering. If you are watering with a spray hose, you are watering much more thoroughly than with a spray bottle. How do you know when to water? We lift up the wheatgrass and look under the root system. If the bottom of the tray is wet, we don't water. If the bottom of the tray is dry we water.
7. Start harvesting Wheatgrass when it reaches 6-7 " tall. You can prolong its shelf life by storing it in the coolest place possible. Some of our customers have purchased a used refrigerator at a garage sale to store their wheatgrass. It will last a week or longer. Some say, after cutting once, you can grow again for another cutting. Our thoughts are that the nutrients in the soil have been depleted from the first growing. The same is true about composting the mats when finished. If this compost is used to grow wheatgrass again, minerals needed to be added back to re-energize the soil. We don't compost our mats because of that. Instead we use the mats to mulch the top of the soil around out plants and trees. It keeps the soil moist and helps in weed control, and what ever nutrients are left in the mat will be leached into the soil around the plants. Works great in your garden around your vegetable or flowers.
Trouble Shooting
Poor germination: Usually caused by not keeping the Wheatgrass seed moist during the germination period.
Make sure you water well. Check to see if maybe an air vent is blowing on growing location, or if direct sunlight is shining on location.
Shriveled blades: Usually caused by not watering well. Could be air vent blowing on tray. If your home humidity is too dry a cool mist humidifier may be necessary. This is available at Walmart for under $20.00 You need air circulation but not blowing directly on the Wheatgrass.
Obnoxious odor, muddy mat: poor drainage, not enough large particles in soil mixture, lack of air circulation
There may be times with the right combination of temperature, moisture, and no air circulation, you will experience mold growing on top of the soil. Cooler temperature, less water and an increase in air circulation will help. You can also mix 1 tablespoons of Baking Soda per gallon of water when watering. If you experience mold problems cut the wheatgrass above the mold. Then wash the wheatgrass just as you would any vegetable.
The Wheatgrass Growing Manual (e-book) by Gerald and Caroyn Gibson
The Wheatgrass Growing Manual E-Book is an illustrated,day by day,instructional manual for growing the most potent, nutritious, organic wheatgrass at home. 37 pages loaded with color photographs. Downloadable product.
This is an E-Book. You will need Adobe Reader to open this E-Book. Adobe Reader is available free on line at www.Adobe.com
Item No. 660-9914751
$9.95
2.
The Wheatgrass Growing Manual on CD by Gerald and Carolyn Gibson
The Wheatgrass Growing Manual in PDF format on CD is an illustrated,day by day,instructional book for growing the most potent, nutritious, organic wheatgrass at home. 37 pages loaded with color photographs.
This is a CD. You will need Adobe Reader to open this CD. Adobe Reader is available free on line at www.Adobe.com
Item No. 77-9915765
