How to Grow Small Grains (Barley & Wheat)

Small Grains (Barley & Wheat)

Hordeum vulgare (Barley), Triticum aestivum (Wheat)

grass

Small grains are cool-season cereals that form the foundation of grain blends and diverse crop rotations. Barley and wheat are hardy, nutrient-dense crops that can be grown together or separately to create custom grain mixes for flour, animal feed, or malting purposes. Both crops are relatively low-input and well-suited to organic and sustainable farming systems.

Looking for a specific variety?

Chevron Conlon Sonora Marquis Turkey Red Modern Milling Barley

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Example Small Grains (Barley & Wheat) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Small Grains (Barley & Wheat)
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Small Grains (Barley & Wheat)
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Small Grains (Barley & Wheat) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily; 8+ hours preferred for optimal grain fill

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Water: Moderate; approximately 12-15 inches annually including rainfall. Spring crops need consistent moisture during tiller formation and grain fill stages. Fall-planted crops rely more on winter/spring precipitation. Drought-tolerant once established, but moisture during grain development improves yield.

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Spacing: Broadcast or drill at 1-1.5 million seeds per acre (for reference: 15-20 lbs seed per 1,000 sq ft); row spacing typically 6-8 inches if using grain drills inches

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Days to maturity: 120-180 days depending on variety, planting season (spring vs. fall), and region

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches for small grains; shallow planting is critical to ensure rapid emergence

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or clay loam soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure to build organic matter Phosphorus and potassium if soil test shows deficiency Lime if pH is below 6.0 Cover crop residue from preceding crop

Growing Zones

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Zones 3-8 are ideal; both crops excel in cool climates and can tolerate cold winters when planted as fall crops

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Germination & Emergence

7-14 days

Seeds absorb moisture and begin sprouting. First green shoots break soil surface within 7-14 days.

Ensure good soil contact and adequate moisture; protect from birds and rodents. Monitor for seedling diseases in cool, wet conditions.

Tillering

3-6 weeks

Primary shoot produces multiple secondary shoots (tillers) at soil level. Plant develops robust root system and leaf area.

Provide consistent moisture and moderate nitrogen; avoid excessive fertility that promotes disease. This is a critical period for weed competition—control early.

Stem Elongation & Boot Stage

4-6 weeks

Stems lengthen and harden; flag leaf emerges and the grain head forms within the leaf sheath (boot stage).

Monitor for pests and disease. Adequate nitrogen supports stem strength and grain size. Reduce water only if conditions are extremely wet.

Flowering & Grain Fill

3-4 weeks

Head fully emerges and flowers (anthesis). Grain begins developing inside florets; kernels fill with starch and protein.

This is the most critical stage for yield. Maintain consistent moisture and protect from stress. Scout for pest and disease pressure. Avoid late-season nitrogen.

Maturity & Harvest

2-3 weeks

Kernels harden and lose moisture. Stems dry down and become brittle; leaves turn tan or brown.

Allow grain to mature fully before harvest (moisture content 12-14%). Harvest when plant moisture is near 15-20% to minimize grain loss.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Legumes (field peas, beans, vetch) in rotation or intercropping Hairy vetch or winter rye as cover crops before grain planting Oats in diverse grain blends Buckwheat between grain crops Clover in pasture-grain rotations

Avoid planting near:

Repeat small grain crops in same field more than 2 years consecutively (increases disease and pest pressure) Brassicas competing for similar soil nitrogen in same season Corn (different pest/disease cycles; consider rotation instead)

Common Pests

Plant at appropriate time to avoid pest emergence; use resistant varieties; practice crop rotation; remove crop residue
and (Noctuidae family)
Scout early; use pheromone traps to monitor; cultural controls (cover crops, residue management); targeted insecticide if populations exceed thresholds
Use resistant varieties; manage thatch and residue; encourage beneficial insects; apply insecticide if warranted
Plant in fall to avoid peak mite activity; use resistant varieties; eliminate volunteer wheat
Use physical barriers (netting); employ bird-scaring techniques; plant early-maturing varieties

Uses

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Whole grain flour & baking

Culinary

Freshly ground grain yields nutritious flour for bread, pastries, and baked goods. Barley flour adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor; wheat flour provides classic gluten structure. Together, they create distinctive artisanal grain blends. [source]

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Malting & brewing

Culinary

Barley is the primary grain for malting in beer and whiskey production. The malting process converts starches to fermentable sugars, creating unique flavors and complexity in beverages. [source]

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Animal feed & livestock nutrition

Culinary

Both barley and wheat are excellent energy sources for poultry, cattle, and other livestock. Custom blends can be formulated to meet specific nutritional requirements and reduce reliance on commercial feed. [source]

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Beta-glucan & cardiovascular health

Medicinal

Barley is rich in beta-glucans, soluble fiber compounds that help lower cholesterol and support heart health. Whole grain barley and barley powder are used in traditional and modern medicine. [source]

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Thatching & straw products

Household

Long-strawed varieties provide material for thatching roofs, mulch, bedding, and craft projects. Straw is also used as natural bedding for livestock and garden compost. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when grain moisture is 12-15% and kernels are hard (fingernail cannot dent them easily). For small plots, cut stems at base with a sickle or scythe and bundle into shocks to dry. Thresh by hand-rubbing, flailing, or threshing machine. Use a grain mill or winnow to separate chaff. Store in cool, dry conditions (below 50°F and <13% moisture) to maintain quality and prevent insect damage. Combine harvesting of barley and wheat at similar maturity stages if blending.

Fun Facts

🌱 Barley was one of the first domesticated grain crops, dating back over 10,000 years in the Fertile Crescent. It remains the world's fourth most important cereal crop.
🌱 Diverse grain blends improve soil health by varying root depths and nutrient demands; barley has shallow roots while wheat penetrates deeper, allowing efficient use of soil profile.
🌱 Heritage and heirloom wheat and barley varieties are experiencing a resurgence among artisan bakers and brewers seeking unique flavors, improved nutrition, and disease resilience.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun

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