Re: Sprout / wheatgrass lighting ideas

[Guest guest]

Molly,

I did not know you could grow wheatgrass without soil, do you do them as you do

other sprouts?  Have you ever tried to do them with soil?  My first thought when

I saw the Gino video where he shown his wheatgrass grown in trays of soil, was

it could be a breeding ground for fungus/mold as he said nothing about what kind

of soil he used or whether it had been sterilized.  I remember cooking my

potting soil in the oven when I used to grow African Violets,  to prevent

fungus, etc. but who knows how many beneficial organisms, bacteria I killed in

doing that.  Boy, did I shock my 3 little girls when I showed them a roasting

pan full of soil in the oven and they thought it was dinner!

I would appreciate hearing the pros and cons of how to grow wheatgrass as I have

ordered a juicer and plan to buy seed tomorrow.  Also, what is the scoop on a

second crop?

Hopefully I will need to sharpen my miniature lawn mower.

...

From: bokashifan <bokashifan@...>

Subject: Re: Sprout / wheatgrass lighting ideas

Date: Wednesday, November 24, 2010, 11:08 PM

Hi --

Thanks, you made me giggle! Wish I had a tiny Barbie-sized wheatgrass rotary

lawnmower. Sharp kitchen scissors are just fine. I snip when grass gets to 6-8 " ;

consider whether there is moldy fuzz, if so, snip higher, otherwise snip ~1/2 "

above roots.

(I know some will re-grow for a second crop; I don't use soil so first crop is

only one for me. I will allow a second growth for the cats to play with if first

growth isn't fuzzy.)

Molly

>

  I also can't find, or haven't yet, how the wheat grass is cut for juicing.  Do

you use scissors, a small lawn mower or what?

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

,I typically get a second crop from my wheatgrass and I do grow on soil. I

use scissors or a knife to cut what I need to juice.Sproutpeople has some good

info on their their website on alternate ways to grow wheatgrass. Also,

discountjuicers.com has some excellent videos on youtube on juicing

wheatgrass. marion

[Guest guest]

I have checked Sproutpeople site and not see wheatgrass info but will look

again.

I have seen some of the wheatgrass videos on discount juicers and all I saw were

demos  of the juicers, which helped in choosing a juicer, but nothing specific

about growing wheatgrass.  I will recheck the videos.

Thanks for the references, I am sure I will find what I need to know.

...

From: n Rollings, PhD <drmarionrollings@...>

Subject: Re: Sprout / wheatgrass lighting ideas

Date: Friday, November 26, 2010, 5:53 PM

,I typically get a second crop from my wheatgrass and I do grow on soil. I

use scissors or a knife to cut what I need to juice.Sproutpeople has some good

info on their their website on alternate ways to grow wheatgrass. Also,

discountjuicers.com has some excellent videos on youtube on juicing

wheatgrass. marion

 

     

[Guest guest]

,Here is the link to the info on wheatgrass:

http://www..com/seed/wheatgrass.html

marion

[Guest guest]

n,

Interesting video, no info on growing wheat grass.  Even the wheat grass site

does not address questions like using soil or not, what kind of soil?  I did

find good tip that you don't have to cover seeds while sprouting them, that

circulation is important to prevent mold.

I am grateful that Melody, I think, sent Gino's video as that is the best way to

learn how to grow wheat grass that I have seen.  maybe Nikki will answer my

question why she does not use soil for wheat grass and how she grows it without

soil, as it seems like the wheat sprouts would need soil for support as they

grow taller.

...

From: n Rollings, PhD <drmarionrollings@...>

Subject: Re: Sprout / wheatgrass lighting ideas

Date: Friday, November 26, 2010, 7:10 PM

,Here is the link to the info on wheatgrass:

http://www..com/seed/wheatgrass.html

marion

 

     

[Guest guest]

,From Sproutpeople's website on growing wheatgrass, soil, etc.Hope this

helps

Planting Medium: We have grown Grass - on soil - in Trays, for years. But,

we now have alternatives: Soilless mediums Baby Blanket, Tencel,

and Vermiculite, and organic liquid Kelp Fertilizer.Baby

Blanket and Tencel are thin organic materials that you soak before planting

upon. They holds moisture and are the least messy and compact mediums we know

of. Vermiculite is a mineral which holds moisture supremely, dispenses added

nutrients over time and in general acts much like soil. We think you should try

all of them if you can - there are differences and though they are minimal you

may prefer one method over the other and the only way to know for sure is to

try. Instructions are pretty much the same in all cases, but where there is a

difference we include purple text like this.Soil Note: Virtually any soil will

do for Grass! We used sterile bagged soil (usually composted cow manure) when we

were professional growers, but any sterile bagged

soil will do. You can find some at your local garden center. You can use

expensive soil if you prefer - it is your choice - always. Of course Organic is

best, but it is usually quite costly.Tray Note: Your Planting Tray (the one

with the soil ormedium in it) MUST have drainage holes or slits! Nothing will

grow in a medium that can not drain - that condition is commonly called

" flooded " . When using Baby Blanket, TencelorVermiculite your Planting

Tray must also have drainage, but we do use the Drip Tray to hold some water

at times in the growing process.**When growing Grass: You really

MUST Pre-Sprout it before planting.Pre-SproutPut seed* into a bowl or

your Sprouter.

Add 2-3 times as much cool (60-70 degree) water.

Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.

Allow seeds to Soak for 8-12 hours.

Empty the seeds into your sprouter if necessary.

Drain off the soak water.

Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water

and Drain thoroughly.

Set anywhere out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (70° is optimal)

between Rinses.Rinse and Drain again in 8-12 hours.

And, perhaps one more...

Rinse and Drain in 8-12 hours.

And, conceivably one more...

Rinse and Drain in 8-12 hours.

The goal is to have a small root before planting.When most of the seeds have

sprouted tiny (1/16-1/8 inch) roots it is time to plant. This is typically after

just 2-3 Rinse andDrain cycles.Planting

Soil Note:

The amount of soil you use is up to you. The reality is this: As your plants

grow they need more and more water. They get their water from the soil. The more

soil you use - the more water it can hold - the less you need to

water.Thoroughly moisten the soil. Allow puddles to dry.

Sometimes you may need to use your fingers to make sure the soil is moist all

the way down to the bottom of the tray. Water, mix, water, mix, etc. Sometimes

you don't have to do that.Baby Blanket/Tencel:

Prepare the pad: Cut it to fit your Tray if necessary. Soak it in water or

better yet, Kelp Fertilizer enriched water (You don't NEED fertilizer for

grass, but we use it when we grow without soil.) until thoroughly saturated

(fold it up and push it into the liquid - use a pot or something similar to hold

it). Unfold it and re-fold differently or do whatever makes sense - the goal is

to get the pad THOROUHGLY soaked. Spread the wet pad across the bottom of

your Planting Tray. Proceed...Vermiculite:

Vermiculite absorbs liquid so readily and holds it so supremely that you need

little of it. We use 3 Cups for an 11 x 11 inch tray and 6 Cups for an 11 x 22

inch tray. If you're using another tray, make it 1/4 - 1/2 inch deep. Spray

water evenly across the surface then spread it out as evenly as you can. We like

to useKelp Fertilizer enriched water (You don't NEED fertilizer for grass, but

we use it when we grow without soil.) so we just pour it on until thoroughly

saturated and then spread it out. The amount of liquid is this: a little more

than one quart for an 11 x 22 inch tray. You don't want more than a little left

in the Drip Tray. Pour off what water remains above the ridges of the Drip

Tray. Proceed...Spread seeds evenly on thoroughly moistened soil or medium.

Rinse your seeds one last time and then sprinkle them across the

planting medium. Spread them out as evenly as you can. We use a lot of grain

and though some literature will tell you that your seeds should not ever lay

atop each other, we have found from years of experience and thousands of Trays

of Grass grown that that is bunk! You will learn for yourself that Grass

produces a plant that takes up less room than the grain did, and so to maximize

your yield your seeds must lay atop each other to some degree. The thing to

watch is this: If you find mold or fungal problems in your Grass then lessen

the amount of grain you plant. The hotter/more humid your climate is the more of

an issue the mold/fungus is. As always, you need to adapt to your own climate

and seasonal conditions. And learn as you go - this is really easy and fun stuff

to learn!Cover the planted tray

with an inverted tray (the Cover Tray) - to keep light out and moisture in. By

inverted I mean that the lip of the Cover Tray rests directly on the lip of the

Planting Tray - so the bottom of the Cover Tray is facing up.Note:

Your covering tray should have holes or slits in it so that some air

circulation exists. Without this very minimal air flow you might have mold or

fungal problems.Place in a low-light, room temperature location.

70° is always optimal but Grass will grow very well in cooler temperatures

also.Water lightly once or twice a day.

The goal is to keep the sprouts moist until their roots bury themselves in the

soil/medium - at which point your goal is to keep the soil/medium moist.

Spraying the sprouts is best - whether you use a garden hose sprayer, hand

sprayer or faucet sprayer - just try to make sure that every sprout gets rinsed

and quenched until they bury their roots. You may also use some Kelp

Fertilizer if you like.Water the medium.

Once the roots are buried all you need to do is keep the mediummoist - the

seeds and subsequent grass will get the moisture they need through their roots.

Water from the side if possible, to prevent injuring the tender blades.The

Soilless alternative.

Baby Blanket and Tencel will dry out more quickly than soil in most

circumstances, so you should either water more often or experiment with our

somewhat risky trick:Use the Drip Tray to hold some water. The roots will

actually sit in this, so don't go crazy - too much can drown your plants and/or

lead to fungal or mold problems. Just leave as much water as the grass can drink

in a day and then add more the following day. The amount is dependant on the

climate (humidity especially) you're growing in, so you'll have to learn this

for yourself. We suggest that you start with 1-2 cups in theDrip Tray. Lift

the Planting Tray to see how much is left after 4, 8 and 12 hours. If

the Drip Tray is dry add more water - if there is still water 24 hours later

then cut back the next time you add water. Pretty simple really, and not as

risky as we make it sound - it is really a time saver and produces happier

healthy grass.Once again, we do recommend Kelp

Fertilizer enriched water for soilless growers. Soil growers may use it too of

course, but the soil does have some nutrients already, so it is not nearly as

important for you.Vermiculite holds water better than anything, but the same

method works for it: Use the Drip Tray to hold some water. The roots will

eventually grow into this, so don't go crazy - too much can drown your plants

and/or lead to fungal or mold problems. Just leave as much water as the grass

andVermiculite can drink in a day and then add more the following day. The

amount is dependant on the climate (humidity especially) you're growing in, so

you'll have to learn this for yourself. We suggest that you start with 1-2 cups

in the Drip Tray. Lift the Planting Tray to see how much is left after 4, 8

and 12 hours. If the Drip Tray is dry add more water - if there is still water

24 hours later then cut back the next time you add water. Pretty simple really,

and not as risky as we

make it sound - it is really a time saver and produces happier healthy grass.

Use Kelp Fertilizer too. We probably give more water than is necessary, but we

end up with great crops and the grass keeps growing even after we cut it - even

if we don't add water daily. Vermiculite is great stuff!Uncover your Grass

Wait 3-4 days until it is 1-2 inches tall or until it pushes the covering

tray up (it really will do that - it is cool!)Move to a well lit location

to Green your Grass

(If you use direct sunlight (a very good idea for grass) be prepared to do more

watering). Keep it moist by watering the soil/mediumdaily. Watch it grow. It

takes about 10 days to get to....Harvest

By cutting just above the soil/medium when the Grass is 6 or more inches tall

(actually height is just a matter of yield - you can cut it any time you want

to).Note:

We believe that you will get the best flavor and nutrition from freshly cut

Grass. We cut JUST prior to juicing and we feel the difference! But, you are

better off juicing week old Grass than no Grass at all, so do what you must!

Drink More Juice!If you are going to store your crop: During the final 8-12

hours minimize the surface moisture of your Grass - it will store best in your

refrigerator if they are dry to the touch. So if you water try to keep the water

off the plants - just water the soil/medium.Transfer your crop to a plastic bag

or the sealed container of your choice - glass is good - and put them in your

refrigerator.Note:

Grass can produce a 2nd and even 3rd crop so you may continue to water the Tray

after you cut your first crop. The 2nd and more so the 3rd crop is not as tender

nor usually as big, but it is good to try growing at least a 2nd crop. Decide

for yourself if it is worth it! Vermiculite is the best medium if you want

to go for multiple cuttings!

* Notes:

If using Single Harvest Pack use the whole bag on our 5 inch tray (or

similar).Or Use:

1/4-1/3 Cups Dry Grain for a 4-5 inch square Tray.

1-2 Cups dry grain for an 11 inch square Tray.

2-4 Cups dry grain for for an 11 inch x 22 inch Tray.The surest way to know what

amount of seed to use:

Spread dry seed on the bottom of your sprouter so that the seed is spread evenly

but densely.**As I've said elsewhere on the site, we hate dogma, so take my

dogma with a grain of salt. You can grow in trays without drainage, but you do

have to be able to drain excess water away. Tipping is a possibility, but we

think it risky indeed, hence my dogma.Once again: The more densely you plant

the seed the less air circulates around the individual blades of grass. This

can cause some fungal growth - we call it “fuzziesâ€. This is not a problem,

except that it is unattractive. If you are consuming this as juice - just rinse

it off when you harvest the grass. If you hate it - increase air flow by

planting less seed. Additionally, you may move your grass to a better ventilated

area. In summer we grow our grass outside (from the point when we uncover the

tray) for optimal air circulation.

Printable Sprouting Instructions

[Guest guest]

Hi --

Sorry for the delay in replying. I grow wheatgrass alone on a large tray in my

(enclosed) EasyGreen autosprouter, or in counter trays with STG (SureToGrow)

pads. These are irregularly felted pads, that resemble thin quilting batting,

that provide a compostable, firm, neutral rooting medium.

I do believe that wheatgrass and sunflower sprouts are tastier and more

nutritious in soil, but I've made the modifications that work best for me. I'm

gently examining hydroponic grow options for larger leafy salad greens for the

spring, it seems like a natural extension of my sprouting.

Molly

>

> Molly,

> I did not know you could grow wheatgrass without soil, do you do them as you

do other sprouts?  Have you ever tried to do them with soil? 

[Guest guest]

Hi Molly. I'm doing all three myself-Easygreen autosprouter, STG and soil to

compare them. Just started a crop on the STG. Watering w/ OceanSolution and

Citricide which is supposed to prevent mold. Whats your experience w/ the 3 and

which do you recommend? I get a lot of mold w/ the soil, but am going to get

lights and a fan to help curtail the mold. Any recommendations for the mold

problem. My first batch in the Easygreen is coming along well. I found I have to

take it out of the unit and hand water for a few days because it gets too tall

for the sprouter. Whats your experience w/ grass in the Easygreen? Thanks for

any info.

Re: Sprout / wheatgrass lighting ideas

Hi --

Sorry for the delay in replying. I grow wheatgrass alone on a large tray in my

(enclosed) EasyGreen autosprouter, or in counter trays with STG (SureToGrow)

pads. These are irregularly felted pads, that resemble thin quilting batting,

that provide a compostable, firm, neutral rooting medium.

I do believe that wheatgrass and sunflower sprouts are tastier and more

nutritious in soil, but I've made the modifications that work best for me. I'm

gently examining hydroponic grow options for larger leafy salad greens for the

spring, it seems like a natural extension of my sprouting.

Molly

>

> Molly,

> I did not know you could grow wheatgrass without soil, do you do them as you

do other sprouts? Have you ever tried to do them with soil?