Common Wheat

Choosing Wheat Seeds

Hello there, future wheat grower! Common wheat is one of the easiest crops to grow, even for beginners. You can buy wheat seeds from local garden centers or online. Look for high-quality seeds labeled "Common Wheat" or "Triticum aestivum."

Tip: If you're just starting out, consider planting a small patch first to get the hang of it.

Timing

Wheat loves cooler weather, so timing is key:

• Spring Wheat: Plant in early spring (March to April) if you live in colder climates.
• Winter Wheat: Plant in fall (September to October) if you live in warmer areas, as it needs a period of cold to grow properly.

Tools and Materials

Wheat seeds

A patch of land or large containers

Garden soil (well-draining)

Basic fertilizer (optional)

Rake and hoe

• Sunny location

Tip: You don’t need fancy tools—just basic gardening equipment will do!

Preparing the Soil

1. Clear the area of weeds and debris.
2. Loosen the soil with a hoe or rake to about 6 inches deep.
3. Break up any clumps to make the soil nice and crumbly.

Sowing the Seeds

1. Sprinkle the wheat seeds evenly over the soil surface.
2. Aim for about 1 seed per square inch (don’t worry too much about being exact).
3. Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with about 1 inch of soil.
4. Gently pat down the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Tip: Don’t bury the seeds too deep—they need light to germinate!

Watering

• Water the area lightly after planting to settle the soil.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds sprout.

Tip: Use a gentle spray to avoid washing away the seeds.

Sunlight Requirements

Wheat thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Make sure your planting area gets plenty of sunshine.

Watering Method

• Once the seeds sprout, water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Usually, this means watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather.
• Reduce watering as the plants mature and the grains start to form.

Tip: Overwatering can cause root rot, so err on the side of caution.

Fertilizing Tips

• If your soil isn’t very rich, you can apply a balanced fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
• Follow the package instructions for how much to use, and don’t overdo it.

Weed Control

• Keep the area weed-free, especially during the first few weeks.
• Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe to avoid damaging the wheat roots.

Tip: Mulching around the plants can help keep weeds down and retain moisture.

When to Harvest

Wheat is ready to harvest when:

• The heads turn a golden-brown color.
• The kernels are hard and crunchy.
• This usually happens about 3-4 months after planting.

How to Harvest

1. Cut the wheat stalks just above the ground using scissors or pruning shears.
2. Gather the stalks into bundles and tie them together with string.
3. Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, airy place to let them finish drying.

Tip: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the wheat stalks.

Threshing and Winnowing

1. Once the wheat is completely dry, thresh it by beating the bundles against a hard surface to separate the grains.
2. Winnow the grains by pouring them from one container to another in a breeze—the chaff will blow away, leaving just the grains.

Tip: Store the grains in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

1. Yellow Leaves

Cause: Could be due to overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.

Solution: Check soil moisture and adjust watering. If needed, add some fertilizer.

2. Lodging (Plants Falling Over)

Cause: Heavy rain or wind can cause the plants to fall over.

Solution: Support the plants with stakes or twine if they start to lean.

3. Birds Eating the Grains

Cause: Birds love wheat grains, especially as they ripen.

Solution: Cover the plants with netting or use scarecrows to keep birds away.

4. Slow Growth

Cause: Poor soil or insufficient sunlight.

Solution: Ensure the plants are getting enough sun and nutrients. Consider adding compost or fertilizer.

5. Rust-Colored Spots on Leaves

Cause: Fungal infection known as rust.

Solution: Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plants. Avoid overhead watering.