How to Plant Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass provides a source of vitamins C, E, K and B complex, minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and zinc, as well as protein and 17 types of amino acids. Throw in the simplicity of growing wheatgrass, and you have a healthy, green addition to your home garden. Wheatgrass sprouting seeds are available at organic and health stores, and with a bit of planning you'll can enjoy the health benefits of wheatgrass throughout the year.
Place enough wheatgrass seeds to cover the bottom of your planting tray in a large bowl. Rinse the seeds with cool water and soak in cool water for 8 to 10 hours. Rinse and drain the seeds and set them in a cool, dark location for 8 to 10 more hours. Rinse and drain the seeds again. Repeat the process until the seeds have sprouted eighth-inch to quarter-inch roots.
- Wheatgrass provides a source of vitamins C, E, K and B complex, minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and zinc, as well as protein and 17 types of amino acids.
- Rinse and drain the seeds and set them in a cool, dark location for 8 to 10 more hours.
Fill the bottom 1.5 inches of your potting tray with potting soil and moisten with a spray bottle. Place the sprouted seeds in an even, single layer on the surface of the soil. Press the seeds into the soil lightly and cover the tray with damp newspaper to hold moisture.
Place your planting tray out of direct sunlight and spray the soil twice a day until the grass reaches an inch. Continue watering once a day. Remove the newspaper covering when the grass reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches.
Harvest your wheatgrass when it reaches 6 to 7 inches. Cut the grass just above the seeds immediately before juicing. Mold may have formed in the dense grass, but it is harmless. Rinse it off before juicing or cut around it.
- Fill the bottom 1.5 inches of your potting tray with potting soil and moisten with a spray bottle.
- Place your planting tray out of direct sunlight and spray the soil twice a day until the grass reaches an inch.
Continue watering to produce a second crop or begin sprouting a new batch of seeds. Take note of how long it took the wheatgrass to mature in your growing environment to schedule when to plant to ensure an adequate supply.
Tip
Plant your wheatgrass seedlings in vermiculite if you plan to harvest multiple times.
Warning
Consult your doctor before consuming wheatgrass juice if you have a wheat allergy.
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Writer Bio
Lydia Stephens began writing professionally in 2009. She has written online for Nile Guides, SheKnows.com and various other websites and has been published in "Stringing Magazine" and "Xiamen Wave." Stephens played competitive soccer for 19 years, has been weight lifting since 2007 and enjoys running, biking and sailing. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Texas.
