GROWING WHEATGRASS

1. Measure 250g of organic wheat grains for each 30cm x 35cm tray.

Organic and biodynamic grains are available at health food stores. However, you may need to spend some time finding a local, convenient source. They should cost about $3-$5/kg.

How many trays should I plant and how often?

If you plan to juice everyday, each tray should last about five days. Since each tray takes about five days to mature (a few days longer during autumn and winter), you should be planting a tray every 5 days or so. It helps to have at least two wheatgrass growing trays to ensure continuous supply of wheatgrass. You may need three trays in cooler weather, when the wheatgrass takes a few more days to mature.

Organic wheatgrass seed

What are wheatgrass growing trays?

Although you can use any ordinary pot or tray, I normally use wheatgrass trays. The ones I use have the following dimensions: 30cm x 35cm x 5.5cm. These trays are designed for wheatgrass so the depth is just right, and they have proper drainage holes.

Make sure you don’t use a container that’s too deep; if your soil is too far down from the rim of the tray, harvesting the wheatgrass will be difficult (since you’ll need to cut as close to the soil mat as possible).

Where can I buy the trays?

You can buy wheatgrass trays from your nursery supply shop. In Western Australia, I buy them from Bunnings. However, you won’t find them at the pot/planter section – you will need to look for them near the hydroponic section.

You can also buy a saucer for the tray. The saucers  cost $7.40. I use a $2 serving tray as a saucer. It’s obviously not as good as a proper saucer, but it’s cheaper! I bought my $2 serving tray from WA Salvage, but you should be able to get them from any reputable discount stores.

2. Wash the seeds with water

Then place them in a container filled with water. To protect from light, keep the jar covered or place it in a cabinet. Soak for 12 hours in summer or 24 hours in winter.

3. Drain the wheat after soaking and rinse well.

Let it sprout for 12 hours in summer or 24 hours in winter.

4. Put paper in bottom of wheatgrass planting tray to prevent the soil from falling through. I normally use butcher’s paper (you can get this from the fish monger or butcher’s shop).

5. Place top-quality organic soil (with NO animal manure) to even depth of 25-50mm. It’s not easy finding organic soil without chemicals. I use God’s Gift to Gardeners* from Gardeners Direct. It contains some manure, but the manure is composted into a material that is 30% humus (according to Gardeners Direct). The premium quality, it is certified organic compost has a host of positive benefits and manure free, I recommend this.

*http://www.gardenersdirect.com.au/commerce/search/products/?product_id=IC0001&merchant_id=2135

6. Distribute seeds evenly over the soil one layer thick, ensuring that they touch one another.

9. Uncover and water the tray. Set it out in indirect light.

10. Water the tray every day or every two days, depending on the weather. It’s important that the soil doesn’t dry out.

Personally, I leave the trays in my patio area, which is shaded by sail cloth. The patio area is ideal for me as it has good, open air circulation and is shaded throughout daylight hours.

As I grow a few trays of wheatgrass at a time, I’ve invested in a galvanised shelf (available in most hardware stores). The one I purchased is less than $20 and has space for up to 8 wheatgrass trays.

11. Harvest when mature (15-24cm tall).

In warm weather, the wheatgrass can mature in five days; it takes a few days longer in cooler weather.

Mould may form on the soil, but this is normal in Australian climate. When you harvest, cut above the level of the mould.

To harvest, cut as  lose to the soil as possible.

This is because many nutrients are concentrated close to the soil mat. I use a scissors to cut the grass, but you can use a sharp knife as well. Try to juice the grass immediately after cutting. If not, you can refrigerate it for up to seven days. Once juiced, consume as soon as possible.

After cutting, the grass will regrow, and it can be harvested again. However, the second growth is much weaker.

You may find that 8-10 days after your wheatgrass matures, the grass may start to droop, go yellow, or become thinner. If the growing conditions have been appropriate (i.e. enough water and indirect light), this problem may have occurred because you’ve taken too long to harvest the grass. It’s best to start to harvest the grass right after it matures, when it is at its peak of health. The quality of nutrients declines as the grass ages.

That’s about it to get you started to growing your first tray of wheatgrass! The first tray will take the most time as you customise the techniques to best suit yourself. However, the second tray onwards will be much easier to grow! You’ll soon be drinking wheatgrass every morning!