How to Grow Wheatgrass

Photo Credit: Kristoffer Trolle. Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Why grow wheatgrass

For many people today, wheatgrass is becoming the "go to" juicing ingredient for improving or maintaining one's health. Rather than buying, it's easy to grow at home and obviously cheaper. Below I've written some steps on how to grow wheatgrass at home.

How to grow wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is easily grown indoors. The grass can be grown with or without soil. The first step is to start with fresh, quality wheatgrass seeds, and to pre-sprout (soak) them.

• Give the seeds a thorough wash with cold water. Then place in a container along with cold water, and let soak over night (8-10 hours) at room temperature.
• In the morning, drain, rinse and replace the water. Allow the seeds to soak for another 8 hours. Repeat this cycle 3 times.
• After the 3rd time, check to see if any of the seeds are starting to sprout. When they do show signs of sprouting, the seeds can be planted into a tray with or without soil.

Setting up the sprouting tray

Use any size tray, just make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom.

• If using soil, fill tray with at least 1 1/2" - 2"of potting soil and moisten soil with water, preferable with a spray bottle.
• Place the seeds in a single layer across the empty tray or on top of the soil.
• Lightly press seeds into soil and lightly mist with water.

The tray can then be covered by another tray and kept in a dark location. Sometimes people will place the tray in indirect sunlight the last couple days of sprouting - this will give the grass more colour.

Harvesting

Usually it takes 10 days before harvest time. When it's ready, the grass should be approx. 6" tall.

When you are ready to do some juicing, use scissors and cut just above the soil.

If you spot mold in the tray, just cut above it as the wheatgrass should still be good.

Where to buy wheatgrass seeds

Canadian residents can buy the seeds online at Natural Seed Bank.