How to Grow Wheatgrass at Home

Understanding Wheatgrass: What It Is and Why People Grow It

Wheatgrass is the young green shoot of the common wheat plant, typically harvested when it reaches 7 to 10 days old. At this stage, the grass stands about 6 to 8 inches tall and contains a concentrated amount of nutrients before the plant directs its energy into forming the grain head. Unlike wheat berries or wheat flour, wheatgrass contains no gluten once it enters the sprouting stage, though people with severe wheat allergies should still exercise caution.

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People cultivate wheatgrass at home for various reasons. The grass has been used in traditional wellness practices for decades, and some individuals incorporate it into their daily routines. Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, vitamins including A, C, and E, minerals such as iron and magnesium, and amino acids. One ounce of fresh wheatgrass juice contains approximately 1.65 grams of protein and about 60 calories.

Growing wheatgrass at home offers practical advantages. You control the growing conditions, can harvest it at peak freshness, and typically spend less money than purchasing pre-juiced products from retailers. A single tray of wheatgrass costs roughly $0.50 to $1.50 in materials and produces multiple servings. The growing cycle is remarkably quick—from seed to harvestable grass takes only one to two weeks, making it suitable for people with limited gardening experience.

Wheatgrass can be consumed as fresh juice, added to smoothies, or eaten directly. Some people mix powdered wheatgrass into water or other beverages. The flavor is often described as grassy and earthy, with a slightly sweet undertone. Understanding what wheatgrass is and recognizing your personal reasons for growing it will help you choose the right growing method and determine realistic expectations for your home cultivation project.

Practical Takeaway: Wheatgrass grows quickly and inexpensively at home. Decide in advance how you plan to use your harvest—whether as juice, smoothie ingredient, or fresh cut grass—since this choice may influence your growing setup and equipment needs.

Gathering Materials and Choosing Your Growing Setup

You need only a few basic materials to grow wheatgrass successfully. The most essential item is organic wheat berries (whole wheat seeds), which you can purchase from grocery stores, health food shops, or online retailers. One pound of wheat berries typically costs $2 to $4 and produces enough grass for multiple harvests. Verify that the seeds are labeled as food-grade and have not been treated with fungicides or other chemical coatings.

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For containers, you have several options depending on your space and commitment level. Shallow growing trays work well—standard seedling trays measure about 10 by 20 inches and cost $3 to $8 each. Alternatively, you can use repurposed containers like plastic takeout boxes, old cake pans, or wooden crates, as long as they are at least 2 inches deep. Some people grow wheatgrass in mason jars using a sprouting lid method, which requires minimal space and no soil.

Growing medium choices include potting soil, coconut coir, or a soil-less seed starting mix. Potting soil typically costs $5 to $10 per large bag and can support multiple trays. Coconut coir is a sustainable alternative that expands when hydrated. Some growers use hemp mats, burlap, or paper towels as growing mediums, which reduces mess and makes cleanup easier. You'll also need a spray bottle or mister for regular watering, costing $2 to $5. A basic kitchen knife or small scissors will work for harvesting.

Lighting is important but depends on your setup. If you have access to a sunny windowsill that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily, you may not need supplemental lighting. However, many people use basic fluorescent shop lights ($20 to $40) or LED grow lights ($30 to $100) to ensure consistent growth, particularly during winter months or in low-light spaces. A simple timer ($10 to $20) can automate 12 to 16 hours of daily light exposure.

Practical Takeaway: Assemble your growing setup before purchasing seeds. Determine where you'll place your trays (windowsill, shelf, or dedicated growing area), what growing medium you prefer, and whether you'll use supplemental lighting. This planning prevents wasted materials and creates an organized system you'll use consistently.

Preparing Seeds and Starting the Growing Process

Begin by preparing your wheat berries through soaking and sprouting, which activates the seeds and begins the germination process. Measure out the quantity you want to grow—for a standard 10 by 20 inch tray, use approximately 2 to 3 cups of dry wheat berries. Rinse the seeds thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dust or debris. Place them in a large jar or bowl and cover with water, using about three times as much water as seeds. Let them soak for 8 to 12 hours at room temperature, typically overnight.

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After soaking, drain the water completely using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Rinse the seeds again under cool water while in the strainer, agitating gently to ensure all seeds are rinsed. Spread the moist seeds on a tray or in a jar and allow them to sprout for 2 to 3 days. You'll notice small white roots (called radicles) emerging from the seeds. This sprouting step is optional but speeds up the growing process significantly—sprouted seeds typically reach harvestable height 3 to 5 days faster than unsprouted seeds.

While seeds are sprouting, prepare your growing trays. Fill each tray with 1.5 to 2 inches of your chosen growing medium, whether soil, coconut coir, or hemp mat. If using soil-based medium, water it thoroughly until moist but not waterlogged—the medium should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Soil that is too wet encourages mold growth, while soil that is too dry prevents seed germination. Allow excess water to drain for 15 to 20 minutes before adding seeds.

Spread your sprouted wheat berries evenly across the moist growing medium. You want good coverage but not so densely packed that seeds overlap significantly. Gently press the seeds into the soil so they make contact with the moisture below, but do not bury them. If you're using a soil-free method with paper towels or hemp mats, the process is identical except you may need to mist more frequently to maintain moisture. Cover the tray with another tray, newspaper, or burlap to create darkness, which encourages root development and keeps seeds moist. This covering should remain in place for 2 to 3 days.

Practical Takeaway: Sprouting seeds before planting cuts your total growing time significantly. Set a reminder to soak seeds in the evening so they're ready to spread on prepared trays the following morning. This simple preparation step produces faster, more reliable results.

Managing Light, Water, and Growth Conditions

After 2 to 3 days, remove the covering from your trays to expose the emerging grass to light. At this point, roots should have developed and young shoots will be visible pushing through the growing medium. Some shoots may still be pale or yellowish, which is normal—they'll green up quickly once exposed to light. If you're using supplemental lighting, position lights 3 to 4 inches above the grass and keep them on for 12 to 16 hours daily. Natural windowsill light also works, though growth may be slightly slower and the grass may lean toward the light source.

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Watering is the most critical factor during the growth phase. Check your tray daily—the growing medium should always feel moist but never waterlogged or muddy. Most growers mist their trays once or twice daily using a spray bottle, which mimics rainfall and prevents soil from becoming oversaturated. The amount of misting depends on your environment; warm, dry conditions require more frequent misting than cool, humid spaces. If water begins pooling on top of the soil or dripping from drainage holes, reduce watering frequency. Conversely, if the surface begins drying out between mistings, increase frequency.