Have you ever thought about growing your own wheatgrass before? Well let me tell you Bob, I planted some wheatgrass seeds last week, and this morning I harvested my first batch, and made myself a wheatgrass smoothie.
Growing wheatgrass is SUPER EASY, and the best part? You don’t have to mow it. Ha Ha Ha.
Brief description: Wheatgrass is sprouted Wheat Berries
Where to Plant Wheatgrass: After properly soaking and sprouting, you can plant wheatgrass indoors, near indirect sunlight. Make sure it is in a well-ventilated area.
Planting Seeds: These babies take a little upfront effort to plant. First, rinse seeds in a bleach solution {1 tsp. bleach to 1 c. hot tap water}. Then, soak seeds in water for 8-10 hours. After 8-10 hours, repeat by soaking again in fresh water for another 8-10 hours. Repeat process a third time. This time should produce a sprout of 1/8 to 1/4″. Now it’s time to put them in some dirt. Line the bottom of growing tray with a coffee filter, paper towel, etc. {this keeps the roots from protruding out the bottom} and plant your sprout-lings.
Growing Tips: Water young plants at least twice a day to keep soil moist, scale back to just once a day after they are 1″ tall. Water by spraying with a water bottle to prevent mold.
How to Harvest: Wheatgrass is typically ready to harvest within 6-9 days {at least after all of that work, the payoffs are quick}. Take a pair of scissors and whack off desired amount.
Favorite Wheatgrass recipes:
I couldn’t help but wonder who decided eating wheatgrass was a positive step onto the health train, so I asked my friend Dr. Google. Apparently, a woman by the name of Ann Wigmore came up with the idea after combining her Bible teachings with her observation that dogs and cat eat grass when they feel ill. Hmm, well, that’s good enough logic for me! So raise your wheat grass smoothie and drink to dear ol’ Ann and her wheatgrass revolution.
My favorite Wheatgrass Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1 apple, sliced {I used bareburn}
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup wheatgrass, cut into 1″ pieces
Directions
Toss everything in your blender and blend until smooth.
Lisa says
Thanks for the post! My husband is always looking for wheat grass at our local grocery stores and is unable to find it. He too wants it for his morning fruit smoothies. Love your step-by-step instructions and am going to try it. Just two questions: 1) So I purchase “wheat berries” seeds, from a store like Home Depot? 2) I don’t have a growing tray, but have several berry boxes (like the the 1st photo), can I use those?…or what else do you suggest? Thanks!
Madam Chow says
You can buy them on line, but be sure that they are NOT for planting, which are treated and are not safe for human consumption. So, Bob’s red mill sells wheat berries, and you can find them in bulk at places like Whole Foods.
Bill Gertis says
I grow my own, mix it in my blender with a cup of water, then strain it out and add fresh lemon juice. You must drink it within 5min.
Susan Tedrahn says
11/5/15
Why is it necessary to soak the wheat grass seeds in bleach? And WHY is it necessary to soak the seeds in water twice? I want to do this for my cat who is nuts about wheat grass in the morning. I must have my coffee, and he MUST have his wheat grass. I cut about an inch off the top and he eats it off a paper plate every morning
Thanks, Susan
Heather says
OK so I have to know-does it taste like grass? I’ve never had it before. DOes it get masked with the fruit? Does the wheatgrass continue to grow after you hack it off? If so, how long will it grow for or am I just being dumb, it’s like regular grass? So many questions, SO curious!
Heidi says
I have done “wheatgrass shots” & yes it smells and tastes just like a freshly mowed lawn.
sharon says
When you harvested it is it a one shot deal? or is it like grass keeps growing and you get a continuous supply?
leslie says
throw it out in your compost when the wheat grass tips get brown
cptacek says
I hope aren’t paying too much for that packet of seeds. A bushel of wheat (60 pounds) is going for $7.57 right now at our local elevator.
Paula Perez says
I agree. Don’t use packets of seed – you can buy organic wheat in bulk at the health food store by the pound and it is a FRACTION of the seed packet price per ounce!!
Sherri says
So can I use the soft wheat berries I bought for grinding into flour?
Zoe Dawn says
That’s what I use!
Sherri says
Thanks Zoe!
Stacy says
So do you think Bob’s Red Mill wheat berries would work? Does it matter if they are spring or winter berries?
leslie says
If you’ve read the Ann Wigmore book, wheat grass has been proven to cure all sorts of things, some people even believe cancer. Also, my FAVORITE website for health is http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com. She preaches green smoothies with spinach and wheat grass every day. That’s how I make mine. I have much more energy than ever and I’ve been doing it for 4 years and have 5 kids, an ahum, I am over the hill. I’m still learning and trying to discipline myself to be a raw foodie, but it’s an ongoing process, right?
sharon says
Would you share some of your fav recipes for green smoothies? I would love to try them!!!
sharon says
Would you share some of your fav recipes? I would love to try them 🙂
Tiffany says
Hi!
I just read about the benefits of wheatgrass today, then I got your blog on wheatgrass. Lol. I was at Sprouts yesterday and they had Dandelion greens. I never tried them in my smoothies before. I tried it today and then looked up the benefits. WOW!!! Another great ingredient to add to your smoothie and you can harvest your own right from your own yard.
Tiffany
sharon says
Could you share you fav recipes?