Growing Wheatgrass

Growing wheatgrass indoors is not hard, but some attention is required. The seed should be soaked for about 8 hours, and then drained. After that, it can be sprinked on just about any porous surface and it will grow. It needs to be kept moist and above about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can even grow this stuff without soil. Of course, to grow the most nutritious wheatgrass, you should take some care to provide a nice highly mineralized soil, good quality seeds, and a great growing environment.

Most people grow their wheatgrass indoors, but it definitely can be grown outdoors. If you go this route, wheatgrass prefers to be between 60-70 degrees F. It prefers shade, and preferably, under 90 degrees F. One of the dangers of outdoor growing in the summer is overheating of the roots because of the black growing trays, which tend to absorb the summer heat more easily. You can also grow it outside during the winter, but it will grow quite slowly. Its also important that to keep it from freezing. Another problem with outdoor growing is that critters from all over will be attracted to this yummy grass! Because of all these potential problems, many just choose to grow their wheatgrass indoors.

One of the awesome things about wheatgrass is that it does not require direct sunlight. Unless you live in a cave, you will be able to grow wheatgrass indoors. The seed sprouts at 60 degrees F. or higher. If your environment is cooler than this, you could purchase a heating mat to place under the trays. Once the seedlings reach about 1/4 inch high, the temperature can be lowered. Keep in mind that it will grow slower at lower temperatures. To help control mold, keep it a little on the dry side, rather than on the wet side. Another consideration is to provide good air circulation, especially at temperatures above 80 degrees F.

The wheatgrass should be harvested when it is about 7-8 inches in length. It is at its nutritional peak at this point. Simply trim the wheatgrass with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife about a centimeter above the soil. Then rinse it and put it through the juicer.

The time to harvest after you remove the seed cover is about 4-5 days but this can be increased/decreased by changing the temperature and light levels in your growing micro-climate. 65-68° F is a widely accepted temperature for growing wheatgrass in. If the temperature is too hot or the air is too humid then mould formation can occur. Some people are allergic to mould and it is also bad news for people who suffer from asthma. If mould does form in your wheatgrass then trim the wheatgrass well above the mould to avoid ingesting the mould. For more information see the wheatgrass FAQs.

Growing your own wheatgrass is the most economical way to supply yourself with the awesome green juice!