How to Plant Oat Seeds

Oats are a whole grain used in a variety of foods, as well as in animal feed. Oats are also marketed as a nutritional supplement. The companies marketing oats claim that the plant has benefits ranging from boosting fertility to reducing anxiety (See References 1). Oats have more protein, iron and calcium per gram than any other whole grain. In addition, oats contain plenty of fiber to aid with digestion (See References 2). As a crop, oats are reasonably hardy, although they do not manage extreme cold well. Due to their ability to grab and retain soil, they are commonly used as a cover crop by farmers. These plants are low maintenance for growers and make a good starter crop.

Things You'll Need

• Garden rake or tiller
• Manure, compost or mulch
• Oat seeds

Instructions

1. Wait to plant oat seeds until late summer or early autumn. The ideal planting time is when the weather begins to cool off and temperatures are no longer high. High temperatures do not harm oat plants, but they do dry out the soil, which can prevent the seeds from growing properly.

2. Till or rake the ground prior to planting. This loosens the soil and makes planting easier.

3. Prepare a mixture of manure, compost or mulch to add to the soil prior to planting. These substances not only enrich the soil, but will help the young oat plants retain moisture throughout the growing season.

4. Spread the fertilizing mixture evenly across the soil. Use a rake to mix the fertilizing substance with the soil to a depth of approximately one inch.

5. Plant the oat seeds by tossing them out lightly onto the soil using a fanning motion (See References 3). If you would prefer that your oat plants grow in rows, you may walk up and down the garden, dropping oat seeds as you walk. The seeds do not need to be spaced, and each square inch of soil should ideally contain two oat seeds.

6. Use a garden tool or your hands to flatten the ground out after distributing the seeds. Each seed should ideally be ½ to one inch below the ground.

7. Water the seeds immediately after they are planted (See References 3).

8. Check the soil periodically after planting to ensure that it is moist (See References 3). Only water the oat seeds when you notice the soil is losing moisture. Too much water can be detrimental to the plant.

References

• Avena Sativa (Oats)
• The Many Benefits of Oats
• The Easiest Cover Crops