What Types of Wheat Are Worth Growing?
Bread wheat is the most common type of wheat grown in North America. But it’s not the only type of wheat that you can grow. There are also durum wheat (also known as pasta wheat) and warm-season varieties known as spring wheat.
If you’re looking to grow wheat for bread, then you should focus on hard red winter wheat. But if you want to make your own pasta, nothing is stopping you from growing durum wheat. Spring wheat is a good option for regions with shorter growing seasons.
As you can see, all types of wheat have their own benefits. Read on to learn how to grow wheat!
What Soil Can You Plant Wheat In?
The type of soil you have will affect how well your wheat grows. Wheat thrives in well-drained, loamy soils. It doesn’t require much organic matter, but it does need some to be able to grow properly. Poor soil can be prepared for wheat by adding a few inches of compost to it. This will help the wheat grow better.
Best Time to Plant Wheat
The best time to plant wheat depends on the type of wheat you’re growing. For spring wheat, the best time to plant is in early spring, when the soil is still cool but starting to warm up. For winter wheat, the best time to plant is in late summer or early fall. This way, the wheat will have time to germinate before the cold weather sets in.
How to Grow Wheat – Sowing and Care
Now that you know where and when to plant it, it’s time to learn how to grow wheat.
- The first step is sowing the wheat. A seed spreader can be used to sow the wheat evenly in the field. The packaging will tell you how many pounds of seed to sow per 1,000 square feet.
- Rake the field lightly after sowing the wheat to make sure the seeds are in contact with the soil. If they aren’t, they won’t be able to germinate.
- Cover the field with a thin layer of straw to protect the seed from birds and other animals.
- Water the field regularly to keep the soil moist. If you’re planting in the spring, aim for one inch of water per week. For winter wheat, water when the top inch of soil is dry, until the ground is frozen.
- Wait for the plants to mature and the wheat to turn golden brown before harvesting.
How Long Does It Take Wheat to Grow?
Now you know the basics of wheat planting. But how long does it take wheat to grow? The time varies depending on the type of wheat you’re growing. Spring wheat usually takes around 90-120 days to mature, while winter wheat can take up to 240 days. This is because winter wheat is planted in the fall and stays in the ground all winter before it germinates in the spring.
Will Small-Scale Wheat Growing Yield a Good Harvest?
Yes, small-scale wheat growing can yield a good harvest – as long as you follow the proper steps. 1,000 square feet (the average backyard) can yield around 60 pounds of grain. This is enough to make 90 loaves of bread – enough for a small neighborhood.
You can also sell your wheat to local bakeries or restaurants. This is a great way to make some extra money while doing something you love.
Harvesting the wheat doesn’t require special machinery. For small-scale farmers, a simple scythe or hedge trimmer will do the trick. You can then thresh the wheat with a stick and winnow it with a small fan to remove the chaff. To turn the grain into flour, you can use a blender or food processor.
Conclusion: Wheat Is Easy to Grow, But Takes Patience
Now that you know how to grow wheat, it’s time to get out there and start planting! Use this guide as a reference, and you’ll be sure to have a great harvest. It does take a bit of waiting – wheat takes anywhere from 90 days to 240 days to mature – but it’s worth it in the end. Remember, wheat is a versatile crop that can be used in many different ways. Be creative, and have fun!
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