There’s also triticale — a wheat and rye hybrid — to avoid. However, given the wealth of grain variants, you don’t have to limit yourself. Consider growing these gluten-free grains so you never feel like you’re missing out.

The 6 top gluten-free grains to plant

Choose the best area for your grain garden and start planting!

1. Corn. A perfectly ripe ear of corn is worth every sweet, delicious bite in summer, and you only need around 15 square feet of bed space to grow a dozen or so plants about a foot apart. Wait until after the last frost and plant your seedlings in early spring. If you’re worried about your soil quality, mix in a few inches of rich organic compost and water the seedlings well to cater to the corn’s healthy appetite. Corn grows quickly, so if you have space, you can harvest it for the entire warmer season.
2. Rice. Though often grown in paddies to prevent weeds, rice plants grow very well in the moist soil of warmer climates. You’re good to go in warm-season temperatures ranging between 70 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can get it right, you’ll have your choice of rice grain growing through summer. Scatter the seeds over moist soil and keep the area well-watered and free of invaders. Chances of success are even higher if you live in a summer rainfall zone. Otherwise, plant the seeds one inch deep and keep them wet.
3. Sorghum. Sorghum is a good source of nutrients like fiber, potassium and vitamin B. Its nutty texture makes it an incredible ingredient for Buddha bowls or salads. Sorghum is similar to corn in that it grows in the garden, best in warm-season temperatures over 60 degrees Fahrenheit. After the frosts are gone, you can sow the seeds directly into a well-prepared bed and watch as they quickly germinate. If you’re a popcorn fan, try growing Maizeña sorghum for a nutty-tasting equivalent.
4. Flax. Like sorghum, flax has exceptional vitamin B levels. Flax seeds also give you a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, so add it to your smoothies or coat zucchini fries for tasty eating options. Flax grows well in sunny areas, where you can sprinkle the seeds directly onto a fresh bed and water until the soil is suitably moist. If you live in a cooler climate, it’s better to plant the golden flax in pots inside and transplant them outside after the final frost, when the plants are several inches tall.
5. Buckwheat. Farmers often use buckwheat — a member of the rhubarb family — as a cover crop because it’s so easy to grow. This plant’s high fiber, iron, phosphorus and other nutrients make it ideal to mix with other vegetables or ground into flour for making pancakes. Buckwheat, or kasha, porridge is another delicious option. Buckwheat is not picky about where it grows as long as there’s plenty of sunshine. Don’t saturate the soil — you’ll have a healthy crop within six to seven spring weeks.
6. Millet. High-fiber and protein-rich millet is a superb substitute for pasta and couscous. You can also bake it with broccoli and cheddar cheese or cook it with butter and herbs to enjoy its high vitamin and antioxidant content. Plant millet outdoors in late spring for the best results, though you might need to invest in compost, potting soil and seed-starting soil to grow it — this tall grass prefers these to regular garden soil. It grows best in temperatures of 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and does so quickly.

If you’ve recently switched to a gluten-free diet, you may be unsure what is safe to eat. You’ll still need to avoid specific grains, but many others are perfect. You’ll want to include all five food groups in your diet whenever possible, so combining these six options with fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy products makes for an exceptionally well-balanced diet.

The beauty of these gluten-free grains to grow in your garden is that you’ll know everything is organic, and you won’t have to scrutinize every label before choosing what to eat. You will also save money while enjoying the fruits of your labor!

What other gluten-free grains have you found easy to grow at home? Let me know in the comment section below.