Wheat is a versatile crop that can be planted in the spring or fall.
It can be grown in many parts of the country, and it’s a great source of fiber and protein.
Some people may wonder if they can plant store bought wheat instead of buying seed wheat from a garden center?
The answer is yes- you can plant store bought wheat. With a little preparation, you can successfully plant store-bought wheat and reap a bountiful harvest. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
What is the best type of store bought wheat to grow at home?
There are many different types of store bought wheat, and not all of them will grow well in your backyard garden.
The best type of wheat to plant is hard red winter wheat which can be obtained from most high street stores.
This type of wheat is grown in the Midwest and South, and it withstands cold weather conditions.
Look for untreated, organic packets of wheat to be sure of the best results.
How do you prepare store bought wheat for planting?
Before you plant store bought wheat, it needs to be prepared for planting.
This will depend upon the rawness of the wheat and whether it contains chaff or not – most wheat that you purchase from the store will have had the chaff removed.
If not then the first step is to remove all of the chaff- the lightweight, inedible husks that surround the grain.
You can do this by winnowing the wheat in a breeze or by using a fan – put simply you use a breeze to remove debris from the wheat.
Traditionally this was done by throwing the wheat into the air and allowing it to fall onto a cloth while the wind blew the chaff away.
You can use a fan positioned next to a bucket to do the same. Drop handfuls of the wheat into the bucket so that it passes through the stream of air from the fan.
The chaff will be blown out.
The second step is to soak the wheat in water for 24 hours.
This will soften the bran and make it easier to germinate.
After soaking, the wheat should be rinsed several times to remove any excess starch.
How do you plant store bought wheat?
Once the wheat has been prepared for planting, it’s time to get started.
The best time to plant wheat is in the spring, when the ground is wet and the temperature is above 50 degrees.
If you live in a colder climate, you can plant wheat in the fall.
When planting, make sure to sow the seeds about an inch deep and space them about six inches apart.
Water the seeds well and keep them moist until they germinate.
Wheat typically takes about two weeks to germinate.
When is wheat ready for harvesting?
Wheat is ready for harvesting when the head is in the milk stage.
This usually happens around 60-70 days after planting, depending on the type of wheat and the weather conditions.
The best time to harvest wheat is in the early morning, when the moisture content is high.
Cut the wheat stalk about six inches above the ground.
Remove the head from the stalk and place it in a warm, dry place to thresh.
Thresh the wheat by beating it against a hard surface.
The wheat will release the grain, which can then be winnowed to remove the chaff.
You can now store your wheat for use in baking or making flour.
Do you need a lot of space to grow wheat?
Wheat can be grown in a small backyard garden, but you will need to space the plants at least six inches apart.
Typically a 1000 square yard area will produce around 1 bushel or 60 pounds of wheat, which is enough wheat to produce around 100 loaves of bread.
So, you really don’t need an enormous area to grow wheat for use at home.
Do you need special equipment to grow wheat?
No, you don’t need special equipment to grow wheat.
You will need some basic tools such as a hoe, shovel and rake, but these are items that most homeowners will have in their tool shed.
You will also need to water the plants regularly and keep them free of weeds.
Is wheat a difficult crop to grow?
No, wheat is not a difficult crop to grow. It can be grown in a small backyard garden, and typically takes around 60-70 days to mature.
The main challenge is ensuring that the plants have enough water, especially during the germination stage.
Make sure to keep the soil moist and water the seeds regularly until they germinate.
Once the wheat is established, it will be relatively drought tolerant.
What are some of the benefits of growing your own wheat?
There are a number of benefits to growing your own wheat:
-You will know exactly what is in the flour that you use to bake bread or make pasta.
-You can grow wheat organically, without using any pesticides or herbicides.
-You can save money by growing your own wheat. A bushel of wheat costs around $8-10, but can produce around 100 loaves of bread.
-Wheat is a gluten-free grain, so it is a good option for people who are gluten intolerant.
-You can store wheat for up to two years, so you can have a continuous supply of flour.
-Wheat is a nutrient-rich grain, providing a good source of fiber, protein and minerals.
Final words
If you get the right type of wheat from the store then you’ll find that this is an easy crop to grow at home.
All you need is a small amount of space, some basic tools and a bit of water.
Wheat is a gluten-free grain that is high in fiber, protein and minerals.
It can be used to make bread, pasta, pizza dough and other baked goods.
So, if you are looking for an easy way to add some healthy and nutritious foods to your diet, then growing your own wheat may be the solution for you.
