Learn how to grow barley grass at home with this step-by-step easy-to-follow guide. The best tips, tricks, and techniques.
Barley grass is often referred to as one of the healthiest plants on Earth, and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, it’s a powerhouse plant that can literally transform your health.
It’s rich in chlorophyll, first of all, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It also boosts digestion, insulin sensitivity, blood oxygenation, and much much more.
Growing it at home is not only rewarding, it’s an investment in your health. It’s also incredibly easy to do, even for beginners.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. 💚
How to Grow Barley Grass—A Step-By-Step Guide
Growing barley grass at home is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few basic supplies and some care, you can cultivate this nutrient-rich superfood right in your own space. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Gather Your Supplies
- Barley seeds (available from health food stores or online).
- A shallow container or plant pots (with drainage holes).
- Organic soil or a soil-free growing medium.
- Watering can or spray bottle.
- A sunny spot or grow system.
2. Sanitize and Soak the Seeds
To encourage quicker germination, soak the barley seeds in filtered water for 12-24 hours after rinsing them in apple cider vinegar. This softens the seed coat and speeds up the sprouting process. After soaking, drain the water thoroughly.
3. Prepare the Growing Container
Choose a shallow container or tray that’s at least 2-3 inches deep. Add a layer of organic soil (or a soil-free growing medium) to the bottom. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. If you’re using a tray, ensure it has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
4. Plant the Seeds
Sprinkle the soaked barley seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Do not bury them deeply—just press them lightly into the soil. You want the seeds to stay close to the surface to maximize exposure to light for germination.
5. Water the Seeds
Gently mist the seeds with filtered water using a non-toxic spray bottle. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, as excess water can cause mold to form. Continue to water the seeds lightly each day to encourage growth.
6. Provide Light
Place the tray in a sunny location where it will receive at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. If you’re growing indoors or during the winter months, you may need to use a grow light to provide sufficient light for the barley grass to thrive.
7. Monitor Growth
In 2-3 days, you should see the barley seeds begin to sprout. Continue to mist the grass lightly to keep the soil moist. As the barley grass grows, it will begin to develop small, bright green blades.
8. Harvest the Grass
After about 7-10 days, when the grass reaches 8-10 inches in height, it’s ready to harvest. Use scissors or sharp shears to cut the grass just above the soil line. Harvest only what you need, leaving some grass to continue growing for future use. Barley grass is also healthy for cats if you want to set aside a tray for them.
9. Enjoy your Fresh Barley Grass
Barley grass can be consumed in a variety of ways. You can juice it, blend it into smoothies, or simply eat it fresh. It’s a powerful source of nutrients, and adding it to your diet regularly can provide countless health benefits.
10. Replant (Optional)
If you want a continuous supply of barley grass, simply replant another batch of seeds after harvesting. You can keep a cycle going by sowing new seeds every 7-10 days.
To learn more about barley grass health benefits go here. If you’re interested in learning about wheatgrass benefits go here.
To get organic barley seeds on Amazon go here.
The medical and health topics covered on the PlateofGrass website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to prevent or cure any disease. This article and its content is presented ‘as is’ for informational purposes only.
