How to Grow Wheatgrass
Many have been discovering the benefits that wheatgrass juice gives to the body. Wheatgrass juice helps aid digestion, and this makes it a good agent to stop colon cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. It is a tonic to help aid in overall health, but purchasing ready to consume wheatgrass juices and other products can get expensive after a while. The best solution to this problem is for you to grow your own wheatgrass that you can instantly blend into a healthy beverage. This article outlines the ways you can grow your own wheatgrass at home.
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First Phase: Pre-sprouting of your Wheatgrass Seeds
Organic wheatgrass seeds can be brought from a local seeds and plants dealer. The seeds need to be sprouted first to ensure that they grow and taste well when consumed. For pre-sprouting, you need to:
- Fill a small bowl with seeds. The amount of seeds in the bowl should be enough to cover the bottom of your plant bed tray.
- Wash the seeds with clean water twice or thrice. Drain the seeds and then soak them in cool water for 8-10 hours.
- After soaking, drain the water and soak them again for another 8 hours.
- Check the seeds for sprouting. They should have grown roots at least an eighth of an inch long.
Second Phase: Planting Tray Preparation and Planting
Once your seeds have sprouted, it's time to prepare the tray to plant them in. It is important to keep everything organic. Don't purchase or get soil that is laced with fertilizers or chemicals.
- Cover the bottom of the planting tray with unbleached paper towels. This is to prevent the roots of the seeds from going out into the holes of your planting tray.
- Using pre-moistened soil (or soil with compost or purchased potting mix), fill the tray for half an inch of its depth.
- Place your germinated seeds evenly and densely on your soil. Gently press the seeds down into the soil.
- Keep your planting tray in an area where it won't receive direct sunlight. Make sure that the place also has proper ventilation. Water the young shoots at least twice daily. To keep the soil moist as the seedlings are growing, it is a good idea to place a damp newspaper or paper towels to cover the tray until the seedlings grow up to an inch.
Third Phase: Harvesting and Consumption
When your grass has grown to about 6-8 inches tall, then it is ready to be harvested. Using scissors, cut the amount that you need just above the seeds. Harvest the amount you need and juice it immediately to ensure freshness. A bunch of grass might be good for an ounce of juice. You might need to make a new crop of wheatgrass if the crop you have now does not grow as tall.