Barley

What you'll need:

Barley seeds (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A patch of land or large containers if planting in a small space

Well-draining soil (barley isn’t too picky but does best in loose, fertile soil)

A rake or hoe to prepare the soil

Watering can or hose

When to start:

Barley loves cooler weather, so it’s best to plant it in early spring or late fall. If you’re planting in spring, aim for March or April when the soil is workable but not frozen. For fall planting, September or October works well, as barley can handle some frost.

Finding a good spot:

Barley thrives in full sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. It doesn’t like soggy roots, so make sure the area drains well after rain. If your soil tends to hold water, mix in some sand or compost to help it drain better.

Preparing the soil:

• Clear the area of weeds and debris.
• Use a rake or hoe to loosen the top layer of soil (about 2-3 inches deep).
• Remove any big clumps or rocks.

You’re now ready to sow your barley seeds!

Sowing the seeds:

1. Scatter method:
   • Sprinkle the barley seeds evenly across the prepared soil. You don’t need to bury them too deep—just lightly press them into the soil with your hands or the back of a rake. Aim for about 1 inch apart from each other.
2. Row method:
   • If you prefer more order, dig shallow rows about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.
   • Drop the seeds into the rows, spacing them about an inch apart.
   • Cover the seeds gently with soil and pat down lightly.

Watering right after planting:

• After sowing, give the area a gentle watering. You want the soil to be moist but not soaking wet. Think of it like a damp sponge.

Tip: Don’t worry about being super precise with spacing—barley is pretty hardy and can handle a bit of crowding. Just avoid planting the seeds too thickly, as this could lead to poor air circulation later on.

Watering:

• Barley doesn’t need constant watering once it’s established. After the initial planting, water only if the weather is very dry. Overwatering can actually harm barley, as it prefers drier conditions once it starts growing.
• When you do water, make sure to do it early in the morning so the leaves have time to dry off during the day.

Weeding:

• Keep an eye out for weeds, especially when the barley is still young. Weeds can compete for nutrients and water, so pull them out by hand or use a hoe to gently remove them without disturbing the barley roots.

Fertilizing:

• Barley doesn’t require heavy feeding. If your soil is already decent, you may not need to fertilize at all. However, if you want to give it a boost, apply a light dose of general-purpose fertilizer once the plants are a few inches tall.

Pests and problems:

• Barley is pretty tough, but watch out for birds that might try to eat the seeds or young shoots. You can cover the area with netting if birds become a problem.
• If you notice any yellowing leaves, it might be due to overwatering or poor drainage. Adjust your watering habits accordingly.

Growth stages:

• After a week or two, you should see little green shoots popping up.
• In about a month, the barley will grow taller and start producing seed heads.
• The entire growth cycle typically takes around 60-90 days, depending on the variety and weather conditions.

When to harvest:

• Barley is ready to harvest when the seed heads turn golden brown and the seeds feel firm. This usually happens about 60-90 days after planting.
• To check if it’s ready, pinch a seed between your fingers. If it’s hard and doesn’t dent easily, it’s good to go.

How to harvest:

1. Cutting the stalks:
   • Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the barley stalks close to the ground. You can gather them into small bundles to make handling easier.
2. Drying the barley:
   • Once harvested, tie the bundles together and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place for a week or two. This helps the seeds finish drying completely.
3. Threshing and winnowing:
   • After drying, you’ll need to separate the seeds from the stalks. You can do this by beating the stalks gently against a clean surface (this is called threshing).
   • To remove the chaff (the lightweight bits), pour the seeds from one container to another in a light breeze or use a fan to blow away the unwanted bits (this is called winnowing).

Storage:

• Store the dried barley seeds in a cool, dry place. You can keep them in jars or airtight containers. They’ll last for months if stored properly.

Tip: If you’re growing barley for decorative purposes, you can skip the threshing step and simply use the dried stalks in flower arrangements or crafts.

Q: Can I grow barley in containers?

A: Yes, you can, though it’s better suited for larger pots or raised beds because it needs space to spread out. Make sure the container has good drainage holes and use a mix of regular potting soil and compost.

Q: How much water does barley need?

A: Barley is fairly drought-tolerant once established. Water sparingly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be moist but never waterlogged.

Q: What should I do if my barley looks yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil—if it’s too soggy, reduce watering. Adding sand or organic matter can improve drainage if needed.

Q: Do I need to fertilize barley?

A: Not heavily. Barley grows well in average soil, but you can add a light application of balanced fertilizer if your soil is particularly poor.

Q: Can I grow barley alongside other plants?

A: Yes! Barley can be a great companion plant, especially with legumes like peas or beans, which naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen. Avoid planting it near aggressive weeds that could choke it out.