How to Grow Barley

Barley has been cultivated for thousand of years as food for both animals and humans. Barley is a short-season, early-maturing cereal grain that can be grown in both irrigated and dry lands. It is grown in many regions of the United States and in over 100 countries. Its popularity as a cereal crop is surpassed only by wheat, corn, and rice.

Barley is primarily used for animal feed and seed and malt production. It is used in food products, such as bread and pastries, as well as an ingredient in soups and other dishes. Meanwhile, malting barley is used for beer and whiskey.

Barley is also consumed for its health benefits. It is rich in soluble fiber and contains little fat. It is known to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Barley is easy to cultivate and takes little time and energy to grow.

Steps to Grow Barley

1. Preparing the Site
   • Select a site that has well-drained and light soil. The soil should not be too rich in nutrients to keep the barley plants from becoming “leggy.”
   • Prepare rows that are 20 inches apart from each other. This distance is appropriate for almost all types of vegetables, including barley.
2. Planting the Seeds
   • Barley can be planted both in spring and winter. Winter barley should be planted in October, while spring barley should be planted in January. Barley germinates best in cool ground with the soil temperature hovering near freezing.
   • Sow the seeds in the rows, ensuring that there are 20 to 25 seeds per square foot of space.
   • Barley sprouts easily, with some even sprouting overnight. Thin out to the strongest barley plants as soon as the seedlings have hardened off. Make sure that the plants are not crowding each other in the row.
3. Watering and Nutrient Requirements
   Barley does not require too much watering. Too much watering can lead to decomposition.
   • Keep out weeds by weeding by hand for a small crop. An application of herbicide may be necessary for a large crop to keep out the weeds.
   • Apply less nitrogen enhancers to the soil if growing barley for malt production. The rate will depend on the nitrogen and fertility levels of the soil. Make the application before the end of March.
4. Harvesting
   • Barley has reached full maturity when it has changed into a golden color and has become brittle. Cut the barley stalks when harvesting.