Wheatgrass and other sprouting seeds are becoming more and more popular as people’s awareness of the benefits of such food grows. Wheatgrass seeds are considered a superfood thanks to its high levels of beneficial proteins which are essential building blocks as well as high levels of vitamins including A, B, C, E, l and K. Ideally a quick shot of wheatgrass should be consumed every morning to see its benefits. And the best way to consume wheatgrass is fresh, straight from the plant!
-
- Wheatgrass Seeds
-
- Wheatgrass
-
- Harvesting Wheatgrass
Below is a guide on how to grow your own wheatgrass. The process is really simple and really fast:
- Choose the correct wheatgrass seeds. Wheatgrass seeds can be bought online at the gardenshop.ie and in health food stores. Wheatgrass seeds are also known as Hard Red Winter Wheat or Triticum Aestivum
- Choose the right trays and growing medium. At the gardenshop.ie we sell all you need to grow wheatgrass. Really all you need is a small tray, about 30 x 40cm – the tray must be at least 7cm in depth and will need drainage holes in the base
- Most soil based composts will work fine. At the gardenshop.ie we use John Innes No.3
How to Grow
- One tray of 30 x 40cm will grow about 500grams of seeds. This will be sufficient for 2 weeks of wheatgrass shots
- Start by adding your soil or compost to the tray.
- Lightly soak the soil and then spread your seeds out over the surface of the soil. The seeds should cover the surface of the soil but be spaced out just enough so that they are not overlapping
- Sprinkler a fine layer of soil over the seeds and gently press down with your hand
Caring for Your Wheatgrass
- Position the tray on a windowsill. In summer position the tray in partial shade, in winter position in full sun.
- Water your trays every morning – water the tray well, until water begins to drain from the base of the tray
Wheatgrass will take between 10 to 14 days to mature. Once the grass reaches about 15cm in height you can begin the harvest. - To harvest, simply cut the grass approx.. 1” above soil level. Only harvest what you need and once you begin harvesting your first tray you should start to sow a second tray to ensure you have a continual supply of wheatgrass to harvest