How to Grow Wheatgrass Outside
Wheatgrass is often used as a medicinal plant for humans as well as a nice snack for cats. Due to its intolerance of both hot and cold weather conditions, it is generally grown in small batches indoors. In order to survive, wheatgrass needs to stay in between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if planted at the right times and in ideal conditions, wheatgrass can be successfully grown outdoors in the spring and fall seasons.
Soak the wheatgrass seeds in a bowl of water for 12 hours to soften the outer shell. Remove them from the water and let them air dry for an additional 12 hours.
Prepare a spot in a shady area to plant the seeds. Loosen the top inch of soil to make root growth easier.
- Wheatgrass is often used as a medicinal plant for humans as well as a nice snack for cats.
- However, if planted at the right times and in ideal conditions, wheatgrass can be successfully grown outdoors in the spring and fall seasons.
Water the soil so it's just moist enough that it packs when pressed.
Sprinkle the wheatgrass seeds on the prepared soil. Try to lay around 10 seeds for every square inch of space. Press down lightly on the seeds with the palm of your hand to press them into the soil.
Keep the soil moist at all times. The seeds should germinate within a week.
Check the soil daily after the seeds germinate. Add water when the top of the soil begins to feel dry. Wheatgrass can survive short periods of drought, but it's best to keep the soil moist for the entire growth cycle.
- Water the soil so it's just moist enough that it packs when pressed.
- Press down lightly on the seeds with the palm of your hand to press them into the soil.
Grow Edible Wheatgrass In A Yard
Soak wheatgrass seeds for about 12 hours in a glass filled with lukewarm water. Choose a site in your yard for the wheatgrass. Avoid selecting a site where, or near where, pesticides or other chemicals have been used or may be used in the future. Those chemicals are toxic and dangerous if ingested. Use a hoe, shovel or rake for this task. Smooth the soil by running a rake through it several times. Water the area thoroughly. The trays also protect the seeds from birds and other hungry animals. Remove the clear plastic trays to mist the seeds twice per day for three to four days, and then put the clear plastic trays back in place, propping them up as previously. Provide water for the wheatgrass when their soil feels dry. Harvest the wheatgrass when it grows to 6 or 7 inches tall. Wheatgrass usually grows back after it is cut, providing up to two or three harvests from one planting, but the amount of nutrients in the plant tends to decrease gradually with each cutting.
- Soak wheatgrass seeds for about 12 hours in a glass filled with lukewarm water.
- Remove the clear plastic trays to mist the seeds twice per day for three to four days, and then put the clear plastic trays back in place, propping them up as previously.
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Writer Bio
Kenneth Coppens began his freelance writing career in 2008. His passions in life consist of extensive personal research on food, gardening and finding natural and eco-friendly alternatives to nearly all aspects of life.
