In the pursuit of sustainable living and self-sufficiency, many suburban homesteaders are turning to growing food, and growing grains is growing in interest. Not only does it provide a sense of fulfillment and connection to the land, but it also offers a plethora of benefits, including abundant yield and a harvest that can be preserved for long periods. If you’re considering diving into the world of grain cultivation in your backyard, you might be wondering: What’s the easiest grain to grow?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore eight different grains suitable for home cultivation, discussing their ease of growth, space requirements, and potential yields.
Why Grow Grains?
Before we dive into the specifics of each grain, let’s first understand why growing grains at home can be a rewarding endeavor.
One of the primary benefits is the abundant yield that grains offer. Unlike many vegetables that require constant replanting, grains typically provide a substantial harvest from a single planting. Additionally, grains are known for their preservable nature, allowing you to store your harvest for extended periods without losing nutritional value.
By growing grains in your backyard, you can also ensure the quality and sustainability of your food supply while reducing your reliance on store-bought grains, which may be treated with chemicals or additives.
What’s the Easiest Grain to Grow For Your Suburban Homestead?
When deciding which grain to grow in your backyard, several factors come into play. Considerthe following:
- The space available in your garden
- The type of soil you have
- The amount of labor you’re willing to invest
- Your climate zone
Some grains require more space and maintenance than others, while certain varieties thrive in specific soil conditions or climates. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the grain that best suits your homesteading goals and resources.
1. Growing Corn
Corn is a staple grain in many households and is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice for backyard cultivation. It thrives in warm weather and requires ample sunlight and well-drained soil.
Corn Space Requirements and Yield
While corn plants can grow quite tall, they don’t require a significant amount of space horizontally, making them suitable for small gardens. On average, corn yields around one to two ears per stalk, with each ear containing approximately 800 kernels.
Corn Growing and Care Guide
To grow corn, plant seeds directly in the soil after the last frost date, ensuring adequate spacing between plants. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize periodically to support healthy growth. Harvest corn when the ears are plump and the kernels are fully developed.
Related Article: How to Turn Your Corn Harvest into Cornmeal (and Use it For Months)
2. Growing Wheat
Wheat is another popular grain that’s relatively easy to grow in a backyard setting. It prefers cooler temperatures and well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Wheat Space Requirements and Yield
While wheat does require a larger planting area compared to some other grains, it’s still feasible for suburban homesteaders with enough space. Depending on the variety, wheat typically yields around 10 to 15 grains per seed planted.
Wheat Growing and Care Guide
To grow wheat, sow seeds directly in the soil in the fall for winter wheat or in the spring for spring wheat. Ensure even spacing between rows to allow for proper airflow and prevent disease. Harvest wheat when the kernels are firm and the stalks have turned golden brown.
Related Article: How to Make Homemade Flour
3. Growing Millet
Millet is a versatile grain that’s well-suited for backyard cultivation, particularly in warm climates. It’s drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it an excellent option for homesteaders with less-than-ideal growing conditions.
Millet Space Requirements and Yield
Millet requires minimal maintenance and space, making it an ideal choice for small gardens or containers. On average, millet yields around 1,000 to 2,000 grains per plant, depending on the variety.
Millet Growing and Care Guide
To grow millet, sow seeds directly in the soil after the last frost date, ensuring adequate spacing between plants. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and harvest when the seeds are fully mature and dry.
4. Growing Quinoa
Quinoa has gained popularity in recent years due to its nutritional value, protein content, and versatility in cooking. While traditionally grown in the Andes region of South America, quinoa can also be successfully cultivated in backyard gardens. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun to partial shade.
Related Article: High Protein Vegetables: Grow Alternative Protein Sources on Your Suburban Homestead
Quinoa Space Requirements and Yield
Quinoa plants don’t require a significant amount of space and can be grown in raised beds or containers. On average, quinoa yields around 1,000 to 3,000 grains per plant, depending on the variety.
Quinoa Growing and Care Guide
To grow quinoa, sow seeds directly in the soil after the last frost date, ensuring even spacing between plants. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and harvest when the seeds have turned a deep shade of red or yellow.
5. Growing Oats
Oats are a cold-hardy grain that’s well-suited for temperate climates and can be grown in a backyard setting with relative ease. They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter and require full sun to partial shade.
Oats Space Requirements and Yield
Oats don’t require a significant amount of space and can be grown in raised beds or containers. On average, oats yield around 200 to 400 grains per plant, depending on the variety.
Oats Growing and Care Guide
To grow oats, sow seeds directly in the soil in the early spring, ensuring even spacing between plants. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and harvest when the grains have turned golden brown and the stalks have begun to dry out.
6. Growing Barley
Barley is a cold-tolerant grain that’s well-suited for temperate climates and can be grown in a backyard garden with minimal effort. It prefers well-drained soil and requires full sun to partial shade.
Barley Space Requirements and Yield
Barley doesn’t require a significant amount of space and can be grown in raised beds or containers. On average, barley yields around 200 to 400 grains per plant, depending on the variety.
Barley Growing and Care Guide
To grow barley, sow seeds directly in the soil in the early spring, ensuring even spacing between plants. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and harvest when the grains have turned golden yellow and the stalks have begun to dry out.
7. Growing Sorghum
Sorghum is a drought-tolerant grain that’s well-suited for hot, arid climates and can be grown in a backyard garden with minimal maintenance. It prefers well-drained soil and requires full sun to thrive.
Sorghum Space Requirements and Yield
Sorghum doesn’t require a significant amount of space and can be grown in raised beds or containers. On average, sorghum yields around 200 to 500 grains per plant, depending on the variety.
Sorghum Growing and Care Guide
To grow sorghum, sow seeds directly in the soil after the last frost date, ensuring even spacing between plants. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and harvest when the seeds are fully mature and the stalks have turned brown.
8. Growing Rye
Rye is a cold-hardy grain that’s well-suited for temperate climates and can be grown in a backyard garden with minimal effort. It prefers well-drained soil and requires full sun to partial shade.
Rye Space Requirements and Yield
Rye doesn’t require a significant amount of space and can be grown in raised beds or containers. On average, rye yields around 200 to 400 grains per plant, depending on the variety.
Rye Growing and Care Guide
To grow rye, sow seeds directly in the soil in the early spring, ensuring even spacing between plants. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and harvest when the grains have turned a deep shade of brown and the stalks have begun to dry out.
Ready for Growing Grains This Year?
Growing grains at home can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, providing you with a sustainable source of food and reducing your reliance on store-bought grains. By choosing the right grain for your backyard garden and carefully tending to its needs, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year. So roll up your sleeves, dig into the earth, and start growing your own grains today!