How to Sprout Wheatgrass

Overview

Wheatgrass is packed with vitamins, enzymes, chlorophyll and other nutrients, and many people use wheatgrass juice to provide a burst of energy. Cats also enjoy eating fresh wheatgrass, and small pots are sometimes sold as "cat grass" in pet stores. You can buy fresh wheatgrass in the produce section of natural food stores or upscale groceries, and some stores sell frozen wheatgrass juice. However, if you're going through large amounts of wheatgrass every day, it can quickly get expensive. You can easily grow your own wheatgrass at home with basic garden equipment.

Step 1

Soak wheat berries, sometimes called wheat seeds, over night in a bowl or jar filled with fresh water. Wheat berries can be found at most natural food stores, or from juicing or sprouting-supply companies. Use enough wheat berries to evenly cover your tray so that there are five to eight wheat berries for every square inch. Use 2 to 4 cups of wheat berries to cover a tray that is 11 inches wide and 22 inches long.

Step 2

Fill a greenhouse tray with high-quality, all-purpose potting mix. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of the tray. The soil should be thoroughly moist at the time of planting.

Step 3

Drain the wheat berries and spread them over the tray. Spread just enough potting mix over the wheat berries to cover them.

Step 4

Put the lid on the tray and place the tray in a warm (70 degrees F) location with indirect light.

Step 5

Water the tray regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Depending on ambient humidity, you will need to water once or twice a day.

Step 6

Remove the lid when the wheatgrass has grown enough to push up against the top. This will normally occurs in about four days.

Step 7

Water, as needed. You may also use kelp fertilizer, mixed according to package instructions, once or twice during the life of your wheatgrass.

Step 8

Harvest your wheatgrass when it is between 3 and 8 inches tall. Cut the wheatgrass just above the soil line with a pair of scissors and juice immediately. If you are growing wheatgrass for your cat, let the cat graze directly from the wheatgrass tray, but limit her intake at first, since large amounts of green material may cause digestive problems in cats.