Wheat growing in a container

Containers

Wheat grows well in containers—but you’d need a lot of containers to yield a decent crop. Nevertheless, if you’d like to enjoy the beauty of this plant, you can grow spring wheat as an ornamental on your patio or inside in front of a sunny window.

Plant your container wheat the same way you would in the field. Use well-draining potting soil in a large container with drainage holes. Water the soil and press the wheat berries in about 1 inch down, an inch or so apart.

Place outdoors in a location where the plants will get at least six hours of sun per day. Cover loosely with hay to deter birds and keep the soil damp. Seeds will germinate in about a week.

Remove the hay and let the wheat grow. Water as needed—not too much, but don’t let the plant dry out either. Weed regularly, but once the plants are established, weeds shouldn’t be a problem.

In the fall, you can harvest the grains as a topping for yogurt or cereal, or use the wheat stalks to make a beautiful autumn wreath.

Raised beds and open ground

Wheat grown in open ground

A raised garden bed or planter is an excellent option for growing wheat. These also help with all-important drainage. You can buy raised beds or build one yourself to fit your space.

Watering, weeding, and even harvesting are much easier with raised beds, with items closer to your reach and contained in a space that is more manageable than growing in open land. What’s more, filling a raised bed with packaged garden soil means a cleaner and healthier environment for your plants.

That means less weeding, which is itself easier because you don’t have to bend down as far to get to the invaders!

That said, wheat loves growing in open ground, too. This crop grows well in an oblong space, making it perfect for borders or the end of a garden—though be sure you have enough space around at least one side for harvesting.

Just be sure to work in 2 to 3 inches of compost into the soil before planting to improve soil health and water retention, as well as drainage.

How do you grow your wheat—in open land, in raised beds, or in containers? Why do you prefer your method? Please tell us your tips and tricks for creating an awesome wheat field.