Barley grass is not only very he althy, it is also very easy to grow yourself. Find out here how to grow on the windowsill and in the herb bed.
Barley grass is commonly referred to as a superfood. Not without reason, because it is a particularly valuable food. The tender stalks are rich in vitamins and secondary plant substances. The great thing: the sweet grass can even be cultivated on the windowsill at home all year round. However, cultivation in the herb bed is also possible during the summer months. We would like to tell you exactly how this works below.
Why grow your own barley grass?
There are a number of reasons for growing barley grass: On the one hand, it is very easy to grow, on the other hand, you can even grow it on the windowsill without your own garden. Above all, however, it is the he alth benefits that barley grass brings with it. Because the superfood contains many vitamins and minerals. Plus, home-grown barley grass is cheaper than instant store-bought products.
Location and Land Claims
Growing barley grass is very easy. Therefore, even people without a green thumb can grow the popular superfood themselves. All you need is loose, well-drained soil and a sunny location. However, barley grass also thrives very well in semi-shade. However, a sunny location increases the nutrient density of the sweet grass. The demands are therefore very low, since the stalks are harvested very young and do not form any grains.
Which planter is the right one?
In the open air, it can be grown in balcony boxes or planters. Special equipment is available for growing indoors. However, you do not have to purchase them explicitly, because barley grass can also be germinated in seed trays, on baking trays or in casserole dishes.
What should be considered when sowing?
Before the barley grass seed is planted in the ground, it should swell. To do this, place the seeds in a bowl of water overnight. This accelerates germination and you can soon harvest the first juicy stalks. But note: Since these are light germs, theSeeds not covered with soil, just lightly pressed. For sowing outdoors, the ground must also be frost-free in any case. On the other hand, cultivation on the windowsill is also possible at normal room temperatures.
If you can spare some space in the garden bed, you can sow a pretty carpet of grass by broadcasting. The previously swollen grains should be sown as densely as possible. However, avoid placing the seeds on top of each other.
Tip:
Due to the short germination period, barley grass can be grown outdoors until October.
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How is barley grass cared for?
❍ casting:
The short cultivation period keeps the care effort within limits. You should only water the barley grass carefully. Especially when growing in pots, the risk of waterlogging is great, as water cannot simply seep into the ground and accumulate in the planter.
❍ Weeding:
When cultivating outdoors, it is very important that there are no weeds on the bed. After all, only barley grass and not various blades of grass should be harvested at the end.
❍ Diseases/pests:
In the fields, barley is susceptible to powdery mildew and various diseases typical of cereals. By harvesting the stalks early, you can almost completely rule out diseases or pest infestation.
How to harvest barley grass
If you have soaked the seeds before sowing as described, germination will begin after five to seven days. The grass can be harvested as soon as the first sprouts appear. The nutrient content is at its highest at this time. To do this, cut off the stalks with scissors or a sharp knife just above the ground.
You can use the barley grass fresh after the harvest. If you have harvested too much, you can also wrap the stalks in a damp cloth and keep them fresh in the fridge for several days.
Tip:
Barley grass can be used as a topping for salads or soups. The superfood is also popular in smoothies and bowls.