How to Plant Hard Red Wheat Berry Seeds

A shot of wheat grass at the juice bar can be pricey. However, the nutrient packed and chlorophyll-rich plant can be inexpensive and relatively easy to grow. Enjoy the benefits of fresh wheat grass by planting hard, red wheat berry seeds right at home. The heath benefits of freshly harvested wheat grass juice are many: it cleanses the blood, improves hair and skin and a 2 oz. shot of wheat grass juice may surpass that of a factory-made daily vitamin.

Things You'll Need

• Hard, red, wheat berry seeds
• Large bowl
• Colander
• Sprouting tray with drainage holes
• Organic potting soil
• Mist spray bottle
• Dark plastic lid

Instructions

Planting Hard, Red, Wheat Berry Seeds

1. 

   Soaking hard, red wheat berry seeds is essential.

   Measure one cup of wheat berry seeds per planting tray. Place seeds in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Cover the bowl or place it in a dark place. Allow the seeds to soak in water for at least 12 hours (or overnight).

2. Drain seeds in a colander and rinse. Spread potting soil up to 2 inches deep in tray(s), then moisten soil with a mist spray bottle. Scatter soaked seeds over soil; seeds may touch, but should not be piled on each other. Sprinkle a very light layer of soil over the seeds and cover with a plastic lid. Place tray(s) in a cool, dark place.

3. Uncover the young, rooting sprouts from time to time in the initial germination period--the first three to five days. This action allows for fresh air circulation, which may prevent mold or rot from occurring. Check soil for moisture and mist water on the sprouts as needed.

4. Place the tray on a window sill or a rack near a window when the sprouts are 1 inch tall. The tray(s) should be kept uncovered at this point. Daily watering is essential as blades of grass begin to form and grow taller.

5. Vibrant, green blades of wheat grass will grow over the next week or so. Again, watering and proper full sunlight is essential. When blades reach about eight inches tall it is time to harvest and juice.

Tips & Warnings

• During the initial soaking period, if seeds get foamy or start to smell bad, throw them out and start over. Also, after about one week if the seeds have not germinated and mold is present in the soil, toss them out and start over.

• Be sure to wash wheat grass of any soil or mold residue before juicing. Wheat grass may cause stomach upset in those with sensitivities. Wheat allergies should also be considered.

References

• Infinite Health: Growing Instructions
• Essortment: Growing and Juicing Wheatgrass
• Grow Wheatgrass