The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Wheat is technically a grass but is also referred to as a cereal grain.
Learn how to grow wheat in your own garden with these easy tips.
However, growing a small amount of wheat at home is easy and satisfying.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Evenly broadcast the seeds across each 12-inch by 12-inch plot.
Plant seeds 1 inch deep for spring wheat and 2 inches deep for winter wheat.
Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds to the appropriate depth.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The vertical strawlike growth will not typically need support.
Winter wheat crops grow more slowly because they get fewer hours of sunlight.
Soil
A well-drainedloamy soilis best for wheat; poor drainage can lead to problems from excessive moisture.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
For this reason, the use of fertilizers is discouraged after planting.
This can be challenging in seasons of drought.
Spring-planted wheat can withstand higher temperatures, but fall-planted wheat has a longer growing season with cooler temperatures.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Heavy rains or long periods of high humidity can affect wheat’s growth.
However,enriching the soilbefore planting is a good idea if your soil is thin or devoid of nutrients.
Adding phosphorous is beneficial for wheat and follow product label instructions for the correct amount to use.
Pollination
Wheat is a self-pollinating plant.
As wheat releases pollen, it is carried by wind to florets, resulting in fertilized plants.
The red wheats are some of the most commonly grown in the United States.
Harvesting Wheat
Wheat is ready to harvest when the kernels are crunchy and hard.
you could test them between your teeth.
Soft kernels need to ripen further.
you could harvest by hand if you have a small crop.
Use a scythe or sickle for larger crops.
See the How to Plant Wheat section above for details.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Like many other food plants, wheat is susceptible to various pests.
One common problem isaphids.
An infestation of aphids will slow wheat’s growth and affect the appearance of leaves.
Usually spraying them with water is effective.
you’ve got the option to alsouse neem oilfor more stubborn infestations.
Stinkbugs are another common insect problem with wheat.
Careful weeding is a good way to avoid attracting them.
it’s possible for you to also use food-gradediatomaceous earthmixed into the soil surface to help eliminate them.
Some insects lay eggs on wheat, like armyworms.
Various diseases can be problems for wheat.Powdery mildewcan occur in periods of high humidity.
Ergot fungus can also form in humid conditions, and this is potentially toxic if consumed.
This is identifiable by the black or dark purple color of the grain when this fungus is present.
Wheat mosaic virus causes yellow discoloration and curling of leaves.
you’ve got the option to grow wheat at home.
Wheat is an annual grass that needs to be replanted each season.
Any common pests and diseases can be dealt with using organic preventions and treatments.
Which Wheat for What?Kansas Wheat Commission and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.
Hard Red Winter Wheat.
Plains Grains, Inc.
Planting The Crop: U.S.
Wheat Seeding Involves Careful Planning.
