Spring Grains - Key Growing Information
Culture: Sow ¾–1.5" deep with a push seeder or grain drill, or broadcast at a slightly higher rate and harrow lightly or firm with a cultipacker. Spring grains prefer the cool conditions of spring or fall but can be sown in summer in cooler regions. For a fall cover crop, plant by early September in the North, a little later in the South. They don't need a cold period to set seed, but for a grain harvest, sow early in spring so the grain has time to ripen; about four weeks before the last frost date gives a late-summer harvest.
Seeding Rate: Use the lower rate when drilling or when sowing as a nurse crop for a legume; use the higher rate for a dense cover that will winterkill, in tough conditions, or when broadcasting. Barley: 2 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.; 60–125 lb. per acre. Oats: 4 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.; 100–140 lb. per acre. Spring wheat: 2–3 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.; 60–150 lb. per acre. For grain in dry climates, use lighter rates.
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Barley: light, moderately fertile soil, pH 6.0–8.5; tolerates salty and alkaline soil but struggles in wet or acidic ground. Oats: dry, well-drained, poor to average soil; drought tolerant; best pH 5.0–6.5. Spring wheat: dry, well-drained, average soil; drought tolerant but does poorly in clay.
Height: See each product description.
Harvest: For grain, wait until plants have turned brown and are drying down and the kernels have firmed past the milky stage (hard dough). Combine, or cut and stack in bundles to dry further, then thresh and winnow once fully dry for storage. For ornamental use, cut once the heads have filled but are still green and fresh-looking.
Termination: Tillage kills spring grains at any stage before the heads emerge, though older stands may need more passes or more aggressive tillage. After heading, tillage gets harder. Once plants are shedding pollen, mowing or crimping lays down a thick surface mulch; a second pass may be needed for plants that bounce back. Tarping after mowing or crimping helps finish them off and speeds decomposition.
