How to Plant Millet Seed

Grow millet seed in areas known where traditional crops do not germinate.

Millet seed is a high-protein and high-fiber alternative to other crops like corn. Known for thriving in areas with little rainfall and high temperatures, millet seed matures faster than other grains. Millet is one of the oldest crops grown used for both human consumption and for animal feed. Though mostly planted in Asia and Africa, millet seed can be grown in America with careful planning and the right conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Millet seed
• Sunny to partially covered plot
• Water

Instructions

1. Select which millet seed you wish to plant. Millet seed can be used for human consumption in products like cereal. Other millet seeds can be ground up and used to increase the daily intake of protein or fiber.

2. Find a plot area that is sunny or partially shaded. Choose a plot what is not too moist as millet seed fares better in well-drained soil.

3. Prime the plot for planting millet seed. Using compost or nitrogen-rich compost instead of natural soil is acceptable.

4. Insert the millet seed approximately 1 inch into the soil. Space each seed approximately 2 inches and construct the rows 1 foot apart. Cover each hole with at least 1 inch of soil, compost or fertilizer.

5. Add extra compost or fertilizer as the millet seed germinates and grows. Extra nitrogen helps the millet seed respond well to the extra nutrients, according to Texas A&M University.

6. Water your millet seed crop regularly until the seeds have turned golden brown and are ready for harvest.

References

• Purdue University: Millets
• Jefferson Institute: Growing Pearl Millett
• Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics: Pearl Millet Production & Practices - Growth of Pearl Millet Plant

Resources

• Texas A&M University: Millet Production