Can You Grow Wheat in Your Backyard?
Yes, it is possible to grow your own wheat in a backyard garden. It’s not as difficult as you might think, and it can be a rewarding experience.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Wheat
There are many benefits to growing your own wheat:
- Save money: Wheat is a relatively inexpensive crop to grow, and you can save a lot of money by growing your own.
- Control over your food: When you grow your own wheat, you know exactly what goes into it. You can be sure that it is free of pesticides and other chemicals.
- Freshness: Homegrown wheat is much fresher than store-bought wheat. You can mill it yourself and use it to make fresh bread, pasta, and other baked goods.
- Fun and educational: Growing wheat is a fun and educational experience. It’s a great way to learn about where our food comes from.
How to Grow Wheat in a Backyard Garden
Step 1: Choose a Variety of Wheat
There are two main types of wheat: winter wheat and spring wheat. Winter wheat is planted in the fall and grows until early winter, then goes dormant. Spring wheat is planted in the spring and ripens in mid to late summer.
For a backyard garden, spring wheat is a good choice because it is more adaptable to different climates and requires less space.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Wheat prefers a well-drained soil with a pH of around 6.4. If your soil is not well-drained, you can amend it with compost or sand.
Step 3: Plant the Wheat
Wheat can be planted by hand or with a seed drill. If you are planting by hand, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Water the Wheat
Wheat needs about 1 inch of water per week. Water the wheat deeply, especially during the early stages of growth.
Step 5: Fertilize the Wheat
Wheat can benefit from a light application of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and apply it according to the package directions.
Step 6: Harvest the Wheat
Wheat is ready to harvest when the heads turn from green to brown. Cut the stalks just above the ground and tie them together in bundles. Allow the bundles to dry for two weeks or so in a dry area.
Step 7: Thresh the Wheat
Once the wheat is dry, it needs to be threshed to remove the grain from the seed heads. This can be done by hand or with a threshing machine.
Step 8: Winnow the Wheat
After the wheat has been threshed, it needs to be winnowed to remove the chaff. This can be done by hand or with a winnowing machine.
Step 9: Store the Wheat
Store the wheat in a cool, dry place in sealed containers. Wheat can be stored for up to a year.
Step 10: Mill the Wheat
When you are ready to use the wheat, it needs to be milled into flour. This can be done with a hand mill or a countertop grain mill.
Tips for Growing Wheat in a Backyard Garden
- Start small: If you are new to growing wheat, start with a small plot. You can always expand your garden as you gain experience.
- Choose a sunny location: Wheat needs full sun to grow properly.
- Water regularly: Wheat needs about 1 inch of water per week.
- Fertilize lightly: Wheat can benefit from a light application of fertilizer.
- Weed regularly: Weeds can compete with wheat for water and nutrients.
- Harvest at the right time: Wheat is ready to harvest when the heads turn from green to brown.
- Store the wheat properly: Wheat should be stored in a cool, dry place in sealed containers.
Troubleshooting
- My wheat is not growing: Make sure that the wheat is getting enough sun, water, and nutrients.
- My wheat is diseased: There are a few diseases that can affect wheat. If you think your wheat is diseased, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for advice.
- My wheat is infested with pests: There are a few pests that can attack wheat. If you think your wheat is infested with pests, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for advice.
Growing wheat in a backyard garden can be a rewarding experience. With a little care and attention, you can grow your own delicious, nutritious wheat.
