Sunlight or Shade?

Here is another wheatgrass debate: Whether to grow the grass in direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, or in the shade. Different websites tell you to grow it in different ways. Some say never put in direct sunlight, and others say always put it in direct sunlight. I have grown it in all three conditions, and it depends on what the conditions are where you live. Basically, these are the rules of growing wheatgrass. I have learned all of these by trial and error growing in different areas.

1. If it is too hot, the grass will grow very quickly the first few days, and then start to wilt and turn yellow before it is ready to cut. In this case, it is probably best to not use direct sunlight and make sure the soil doesn't dry out.


2. If it is too cold (but not freezing), the grass will grow very, very slowly and might take 2 weeks before it is ready to juice, even if it is in direct sunlight. You can try putting a growing lamp over the grass for a few extra hours of sunlight. If it is really cold, you can just grow the wheatgrass indoors under a grow light.


3. If you are in a really dry area, the soil can dry out really quickly--after even just a few hours. You can either water the grass 3 or 4 times a day, or you can set up a hose to mist the grass. If you want to get really high-tech, you can get a timer to automatically mist the grass every few hours.


4. If it is really humid, or raining all the time, it is best to not let the grass sit out in the rain all the time. The soil will get really soggy, and can get moldy quickly. Try putting the wheatgrass trays just under the roof, where they don't get rained on, but also get some sunlight.