Did you know that wheatgrass can be grown hydroponically? The hydroponic method means no messy soil or coir peat. It’s a low fuss and super simple way of growing this living food.
Soil-less growing mediums
- 1/2 perlite mixed with 1/2 sphagnum peat moss.
- Sure to Grow mats, which are made of recycled PET bottles.
- Unbleached sheets of paper.
- Hemp growing mats.
Benefits of Hemp Growing Mats
This article will show you how to grow with hemp mats, which I think is the most effective soil-less method. The benefits of these mats include:
- Eco-friendly and compostable.
- Not sprayed with chemicals, herbicides or pesticides.
- Mould resistant and anti-bacterial.
Number 3 is a big plus with our Queensland weather. Living in Queensland means that we deal with high humidity for most of the year and mould is always an issue.
How to Grow Wheatgrass with Hemp Growing Mats
STEP 1:
Soak 300 grams of wheatgrass seeds in water for 6 hours (summer) or 8 hours (winter). 300 grams is suitable for a large growing tray that is approximately 55 cm x 35 cm. For smaller trays, reduce the quantity of seeds.
STEP 2:
Rinse and drain your seeds using a sprouting bag or a sprouting jar. If you are using a sprouting jar, leave your jar upside down for approximately 8-12 hours. You can leave it on an angle by placing it inside a large bowl or on a dish drainer. If you are using a sprouting bag, hang it up for 6-8 hours and leave it to drain.
STEP 3:
Rinse your seeds with water. Repeat step 2 until your seeds sprout (this usually takes 24 hours depending on the climate). Your seeds are ready to plant when they have a small tail of approx 2 mm. Please note: A key to minimising mould is to not let your seeds sprout too long. Once the seed tail is longer than 2 mm, you may have problems with clumping and mould.
STEP 4:
Moisten the hemp felt with a quick dip in water or a mist of water. Drain excess water. Place your hydroponic mat in a growing tray and sprinkle wheatgrass seeds over surface of the mat.
Hemp growing mats perform best when not over watered. Keep mat moist, but not saturated with water. Water levels should not be higher than the top of the growing medium and water should not be allowed to pool.
STEP 5:
Cover seeds with wet paper towels or a hessian bag. Water your seeds and place your tray in a dark spot. Water 1-2 times a day using a spray mist bottle until your plant grows 1-2 inches.
Step 6:
Uncover your plant and place it in the light. You can grow your wheatgrass near a sunny window or outside in a shady spot. Avoid extreme heat and cold. Keep well ventilated.
Step 7:
Water 1-2 times daily with a spray mist bottle. Once they are 3-4 inches tall they are ready to harvest. To harvest, cut the shoots or grass approximately 1 inch above the soil.
