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How to Grow and Harvest Grains in Your Backyard

How to Grow and Harvest Grains in Your Backyard

There is no need for hundreds of cultivated acres if you want to grow grains – many urban farmers are growing and harvesting backyard grains with great success. But how do you get started with grains?

Why You May Want to Grow Your Own Grains

There are many reasons to try growing your own grains. For some backyard gardeners, the challenge of such a unique crop is reason enough to give it a try, but if you grow grain, you can also…

  • Guarantee your grains are organic and grown in ways you prefer
  • Minimize any pesticide and herbicide residue on your grains
  • Harness better nutrition because your grains will not be over-processed
  • Save money on grain products as well as stock feed and birdseed if desired

With so many good reasons for growing grains, there's no reason not to give it a try!

Space to Grow Grains

The biggest misconception about growing grains is that you need a lot of space to do so effectively. In fact, an average backyard of 1,000 square feet can grow a bushel of grain, which may yield 50-60 pounds of grain. That grain can then be processed to yield 75-100 loaves of bread or the equivalent products. For many backyard gardeners who want to try their hand at growing grains, an even smaller space – just a few square feet – is sufficient to learn about how to grow grains and enjoy them as part of your harvest.

Types of Grain

There are many different grains that can be grown in the backyard. The most popular options include…

  • Wheat
  • Oats
  • Rye
  • Barley
  • Rice
  • Millet
  • Buckwheat
  • Spelt
  • Quinoa
  • Sorghum

When choosing grain, research each type you are interested in to select a variety that will best suit your soil and growing climate. Don't forget to consider how you will use the grain – there's no use in growing grain you aren't interested in eating!

Growing Grain

Grain is easier to grow than many gardeners realize. A sunny area is best, and with a few other tips, you can grow a rich crop of healthy, delicious grain.

  • Most grains can grow well in relatively bland soil, but if your soil is very poor, consider working compost into the top 5-6 inches before planting to provide better nutrition for the grain.
  • Use a seed spreader to ensure grain seeds are evenly spread on the soil, then work the seeds gently in with a metal rake. This will ensure good growth and minimize weed invasions.
  • Water grain seeds thoroughly, but do not soak the soil. Keep the soil damp until the grain germinates. Grain needs weekly watering or whenever the top inch of soil has dried out.
  • Spread a thin layer of hay or grass clippings over the seeds to protect them from hungry birds and to help keep the soil damp until the seedlings are growing well.

Each type of grain has its own individual care needs, and if you research your preferred grains before planting, you will be able to care for the crop effectively.

Harvesting Grain

Depending on the type of grain you grow, it can take several weeks to several months to reach maturity. You will know when it is harvest time when the grain's stalks begin to turn yellow or brown, and the seed heads are full and plump. When you begin harvesting your grain.

  • Use a scythe, pruning shears or similar tools to cut the stalks down to the ground. Be sure the tools are sharp and clean for the easiest cutting. If you are harvesting a larger quantity of grain, you may need to sharpen your blades several times.

  • Tie the grain stalks into bunches and store them away from any rain or moisture. Allow them to dry for 10-14 days, which will help loosen the grain from the heads. Bunches can be stacked or hung for more efficient drying.

  • To remove the seeds, spread the stalks on a patio, garage floor or similar hard surface, and beat them with a length of hose, wooden dowel or plastic baseball bat. The remaining straw can be saved for compost, mulching, pet bedding or feeding stock.

  • Winnow the grain to remove the lightweight chaff covering from the seeds. You can toss the grain into the air from a wide bowl on a breezy day to blow away the chaff, or pour handfuls into a bowl in front of a fan so the chaff is separated.

  • Store your grain in airtight glass jars to keep it safe from insects and other pests. Grain should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, or it can be refrigerated or frozen if necessary.

Some grain can be eaten raw or cooked as is, while other grains will need additional milling or minimal processing into meal or flour before they become all sorts of delicious baked goods, stews or hearty dishes. Depending on the grain type, you may be able to mill it in a blender or hand mill, or you may need to investigate other options. Regardless of the outcome, however, it is well worth it to grow your own grain and enjoy such a unique harvest from your backyard garden.

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