GERMINATING WHEATGRASS:
- Prepare the seeds for soaking by first measuring and rinsing them.
- For a 16″ X 16″ tray, use about two cups of wheatgrass seeds.
- Rinse the seeds under cool water and drain well.
- Place the seeds in a bowl and cover with cool, preferably filtered water.
- Make sure to add enough water to cover the seeds entirely and cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Place on the counter to soak for about 10 hours or overnight at room temperature.
- After that, drain the water from the seeds, and replace with more cold water. Let sit again for another 10 hours.
- Repeat the process just one more time, for a total of 3 soaks.
- By the last soak, you should already see the seeds sprouting.
- Drain them and set them aside until you are ready to plant them.
PLANTING WHEATGRASS:
- Use a tray with holes at the bottom as the wheatgrass' growing medium.
- Cover the bottom of the tray with paper towels so that the seeds don't slip through.
- Spread an even, one inch layer of organic compost or organic potting soil into the tray. The more organic the potting mix, the better!
- Spread the seeds in an even layer across the compost or potting soil.
- Lightly press them into the soil, but don't bury them. Planting the seeds is as easy as just covering the soil with them.
- Water lightly, making sure each seed gets a little water.
- Cover the tray with a few damp sheets of newspaper to protect the seedlings.
- While growing, keep the seeds damping by spraying them with water.
- Spray the newspaper as well to keep the seeds and the soil moist.
- After about 4 days, you can remove the newspaper cover.
- Continue watering the wheatgrass once a day using a spray bottle.
- Keep it in partial sunlight and ensure that the wheat grass has good air circulation. Place near an open window or have a fan nearby.
- Your wheatgrass should be ready for harvest within 9-10 days.
HARVESTING WHEATGRASS:
- Wheatgrass is ready to be harvested on the grass has “split”.
- Once shoots have matured, a second blade of grass will begin to grow out of the original one.
- The grass should be about 6 inches in height.
- Cut the wheatgrass just above the root and use immediately for juicing OR keep in refrigerator for up to a week.
- Keep watering the tray to get a second and third crop.
- After the third crop, you'll need to start the process again as the grass will not taste the same.
So now that you know how to grow wheatgrass at home, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!