First Time Planting Winter Wheat! 🌾😃🙌 // Garden Answer

[@debradalessiobrown2678]

The owner of a garden center near me actually recommends planting winter wheat in your garden because it puts nitrogen back into the soil, recharging it for the next growing season. It can also prevent erosion.

[@angelhelen84]

Stinging nettles also put a lot of nitrogen back into the soil, that is why I let them grow over autumn/winter.

[@Lupo-ie4cu]

How long does it take to dehydrate the apples and would it work with pears?

[@katherinewold4031]

Excellent suggestion (nitrogen is always needed) thanks!

[@wagardenjournal]

@@Lupo-ie4cu yes, you can dehydrate pears. You can do many kinds of fruits. The apples take between 5-8 hours depending on humidity and your dehydrator.

[@digsindirt4490]

Wheat is a great "cover crop" for fall/winter.

[@MinnTee]

I have that book, The Language of Flowers. My mother gave it to me when I was a teenager and she knew I had a passion for all things gardening. She has passed, so it gives me such joy to see it on your counter, with such a place of honor. I have since dug it out of the bookshelf (after seeing it on a video) and have been able to find joy in the book again. ❤

[@carla7246]

Who is the author? I would like to check it out! I looked on Amazon, but there are 10 books with that title 😂

[@loisfarmer1261]

Who is the author on your book?

[@MinnTee]

@@carla7246 ​ @Lois Farmer Margaret Pickston, 1968. My mother inscribed a sweet note to me in 1972.

[@carla7246]

@@MinnTee thanks 😊

[@frasersgirl4383]

I live in rural Kansas and we are surrounded by wheat fields! It’s so beautiful watching it grow and then get harvested every year!! Can’t wait to see yours grow!!

[@TD32333]

What kind do you grow in Kansas where you are?

[@seanaames6855]

I'm in rural Kansas, too! I'm in NW Kansas. 😊

[@alw5101]

There’s something about the beauty of seeing wheat swaying in the wind 🌾💚

[@frasersgirl4383]

@@seanaames6855 I’m down by El Dorado!!

[@frasersgirl4383]

@@alw5101 oh it’s so beautiful!!

[@jeanheys5327]

You don’t necessarily need to grind or mill your wheat to be able to use it. Wheat kernels (also called wheat groats or wheat berries) when soaked and then boiled make a fabulous and nutritious alternative to rice or other highly processed grains and are especially wonderful in salads. They have a chewy but manageable texture and a nutty flavour.

[@lauragreen4899]

I would love to see the new East property be more farm-like. An area for wheat and area for corn and area for Vine crops. It would be fun to plant corn where you could come in in the fall and actually cut a corn maze in for the children to run through. And I like the idea of leaving the far side of the property natural for the kids to play and explore. It would be fun to have a bit of a treehouse or fort in that area. I love how some of your Garden is very formal, some is more cottage and whimsical. It would be fun to have one area that is more rustic and farm like. Love everything you guys are doing! So much fun!

[@katherinewold4031]

Maybe not a 'public' corn maize if you want to maintain your privacy, just an fyi. I too live in Oregon farm country and we get enough "visitors" without inviting them in.

[@dianequist835]

You have such a remarkable piece of land to be self sufficient. That would be such a great piece of mind in times of uncertainty with food insecurity. I'm glad for you guys to have been able to set yourself up for the future should you need to rely on it.

[@GardenHappy]

Totally agree… her neighbors are lucky right?! Haha

[@bridgetwilkins312]

Exactly what I was thinking too!

[@loriann1506]

Thanks 🙏 again for giving me something beautiful to watch this morning. It’s so much better than the news 📰. I have all day for that. I’m much more relaxed and didn’t complain one time. 😊my heart feels better now ❤😊💐

[@GardenHappy]

Awww you are so sweet! And I feel the same way… her garden videos always make me happy and I always have a better day. 😍👍❤️

[@carla7246]

I planted winter wheat for the first time last year. It was so easy! I ended up with grain for my chickens, and straw mulch for my garden. Plus, I think wheat is pretty. It worked out well 😊❤️💐 I got my seed from Territorial seed co. I'm going to plant again soon!

[@katherinewold4031]

As in Territorial Seed Co in Lane/Linn county?

[@carla7246]

@@katherinewold4031 I think they are in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

[@b.a.d.2086]

Don't forget to save some seed for next year.

[@janmorris4066]

Glad you buried the wheat seed. I understand some coatings on the seeds make birds lethargic and keeps them from migrating. Then they don't make it through the winter.

[@swastisingh2331]

It's just amazing to see your videos...so much learning...lots of fun...thanks

[@maureenmckenna5220]

Laura, I think you are a farmer at heart! I love what you said about just knowing how to grow wheat being important. Much of what you do, including your root cellar, makes you more and more self-sufficient. That is one very appealing aspect of what you have done. Growing and eating your own stuff is a huge plus.

[@Andi_K715]

It's crazy you're having a warm Fall. It snowed here in southeast Wisconsin this morning. Enough to cover the ground, melted by 11 AM.

[@mairwaugus5203]

Traumatizing wasn't it? 70 tomoro. 💙 Wisconsin

[@mairwaugus5203]

Winter rye is on my list for next autumn

[@XxMissxMaryxX]

Laura, I’m surprised Aaron didn’t have you use the new broadcast spreader he used for the grass seed! Can’t wait to see the wheat grow!

[@lindaboice3949]

Hard wheat is higher in protein and used for breads, soft wheat is lower in protein and used for baked goods like pastries, pie crust, cookies etc.

[@RachelPotter2807]

That moment when Laura said "Heck with this!" In her brain. #myhero. Thank you for showing us real life . This is why we love you!

[@az-yq3rk]

Yeah, no gloves in the field or kitchen! Love it!

[@alw5101]

LoL right! 😂

[@heatherhawley6450]

Then I'll do it myself said the little red hen...

[@RZ-812]

Nice dehydrator

[@shannons6976]

We broadcast our Winter Wheat seed for a cover crop where we plant our sweet corn. Then drag it with a piece of fence, mow it down in the spring and then till it in. Really helps improve your soil.

[@tammyroberts902]

Laura, I applaud your knowledge and I appreciate the way you explain about the wheat & all things regarding plants! This exactly why I enjoy your videos!!

[@margaretpervier8357]

How cool it will be to grow, harvest, grind, then make the bread. 😊❤

[@prescotthenry]

Just like The Little Red Hen 😉

[@SisterShirley]

@@prescotthenry What a sweet comment. I love that little book.

[@judithdomangue9995]

Thank you for showing how you dehydrate apples, very interesting. I wouldn’t worry about not always having them on hand, bc if they were always available, they would get tired of eating them and eat potato chips instead! Also, I’ve never seen anyone plant wheat, so that was very interesting too.

[@cadre500]

Looking forward to seeing the wheat when it is mature and ready to harvest. LOVE DRIED APPLES! I like to sprinkle cinnamon on mine before i dry them, The house smells so good while they dry.

[@chrisrfan]

Your wheat crop is going to be spectacular, just like everything else you grow! Such fun! I was fascinated at all the information you gave us…very interesting!

[@deonnamounce1883]

Happy Monday

[@alw5101]

Good morning Donna! Happy Monday morning to you also ✨🤍🌾

[@katherinewold4031]

Laura there's a clamp on your corer/pealer near the end of the rod rings that when pushed or pinched the rod moves easily back & forth so you don't have screw or unscrew the rod when it needs to be re-positioned.

[@minisinthehallshorts]

Hi Katherine, where do I get the apple peeler?

[@2ManyTomatoes]

@@minisinthehallshorts You can get them on Amazon

[@SisterShirley]

@@minisinthehallshorts My Mom bought hers from Pampered Chef 25 years ago. She used it once. Now I have it. Lucky me!

[@katherinewold4031]

@@minisinthehallshorts I got mine at Goodwill many moons ago. Get the kind that connects to the edge of a counter (not a suction cup...they're always sliding because of so much juice coming off the fruit - I have used most things for apples for pears as well.) There's an apple slicer at $ Dollar Tree that cores an apple and slices it just by pressing down, I use it for pears as well : D

[@katherinewold4031]

@@2ManyTomatoes Make sure to get the kind that "screws" on to a counter edge, the suction type style never stays secure and gets frustrating. Good for pears too and probably many other fruit. Just an fyi : D ps "2ManyTomatoes" : sounds like a good problem to have and one that overwhelmed Laura last year.

[@susanmarkusson3570]

Perfect timing because I just dehydrated my apples too!!!!

[@JessDivaTM]

I got really excited about the wheat! xD I'm from Saskatchewan which is Canadas biggest wheat and canola grower :) such a fun project!

[@davidhatfield5714]

Try cotton next year! So fun watching grow and the harvest is even better! I only grew about 6 plants and had enough for a couple craft and decor projects. My sister took one in a pot to her class room and the kids were into it🙂

[@kturula7017]

I was at a fiber festival where a woman brought in a blouse for which she had grown the cotton, spun the thread and woven the cloth. It was fascinating. It was a lovely, lightweight fabric blouse in shades of blue.

[@mtairyherbs]

That’s a great idea. I’m in Missouri, zone 6 and I grew some once. It was fun

[@rhondaschenk5727]

The wheat is going to be beautiful! A new fun crop to learn more about! Thanks!

[@shellisspace]

I am growing winter wheat in all my open beds this year as a cover crop. The rest, I have one bed filled with carrots and radishes, one bed with garlic, one with cauliflower and one with Spinach and lettuces, the rest are wheat. Next year I'll tamp wheat down and plant right thru it, using wheat as a mulch.

[@mariafolch8067]

🌾Excellent idea. I think I may try that!🌾

[@shellisspace]

@@mariafolch8067 I've read so many good things about cover crops. Adds nutrients, aerates soil, covers it to keeps sun from bleaching, then you can use as a mulch later. I use winter rye as that is what was recommended best for my area. Many use a mix

[@suroorwahhab2595]

Hi Laura ... YOU HAVE TO PUT A SCARECROW NEAR BY THE WHEAT BECAUSE OF THE BIRDS NOT JUST FOR NOW BUT WHEN IT WILL CAME OUT THEY WILL EAT IT ALSO !!!

[@marciafirst2271]

My dad was a dryland soft white wheat farmer in the Palouse country in Washington. I grew up loving the smell and taste of wheat. Soft white wheat is mostly sold to Asian countries to make noodles. Good luck on your crop.

[@maureengee364]

Wonderful. Let’s see how the wheat grows. Should be fun. Yummy apples. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us.🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@sherylemoore8626]

Never thought to grow my own wheat for projects! Just another great idea you have given me.

[@msmith2326]

We're planting winter wheat after potatoes too...280 acres. If you run out of something to do this week, come on over! We're only 20 miles away! 😉🚜 I enjoy every video you do. Have a good week. 😊

[@cathierose2009]

I drove by lots of young winter wheat fields in central Oklahoma yesterday. Looks so beautiful

[@teresadawkins4878]

Laura, this will be beautiful all winter and I’m amazed at your knowledge. You and your mom looked like Ruth and Naomi gleaning the fields.

[@mariafolch8067]

Hummm. Where did you see her mom gleaning the field?

[@paulasteven5744]

Looks good! We planted wheat as cover crop on a 30 x 40 ft bed this time last year and are getting ready to do it again. It was so beautiful! Meant to cut it for green manure in spring but decided to see what would happen if we let it develop to grain stage. Harvested 150 lbs. of wheat berry! Had to figure out how best to cut, thresh, and winnow on small scale but really rewarding.

[@katiedc8239]

Love your show, and for a long time now I've not said anything , but I have to: Plants/trees/shrubs are not "architectural"... they may have more decorative "structure" but architecture is the art and design of BUILDINGS. Hope the "structurally" more decorative and interesting bearded wheat works out well! 😉

[@anitanapier8591]

This is so awesome seeing you plant wheat since I planted 100 pounds this past weekend. I’m in Eastern KY. We had a very small amount of rain yesterday and this morning I can see a tiny tint of green in spots. I planted mine as a cover crop to hopefully help with weeds in the garden.

[@beverlyasleson3321]

Oh my how fun growing wheat and the apple dehydrated how yummy

[@kathyley5661]

I'm so glad you are growing wheat! It is going to be very interesting! I agree with others how blessed you are to have this land. You and Aaron are doing a great job. We don't have alot of space here. But you always motivate me. Blessings to all your family.

[@sandravijftigschild9317]

I need a apple-peeler-slicer-core-thingy too! What an amazing little Gadget that is.. I have no experiance with wheat, so looking forward to the coming spring. Thanks for this video. 💋

[@kathylamb7644]

We live in the heart of the county and in the wheat states. My granddaughters and I milled wheat this summer. I gave them a lesson on “Farm to Table”. They learned how to grind it, we weighed it & figured out how many cups of flour you get from a gallon of wheat. Then we figured how many loaves of bread we get from a gallon of wheat. It was a fun project for them at gma’s house! FYI…one gallon of wheat yields 8 lbs. = 30 cups of flour which made 8 loaves of bread.

[@mariafolch8067]

🌾Curious... how many wheat plants will be needed to yield 1 gal? I am wondering if I have enough room to plant wheat.🌾

[@kathylamb7644]

@@mariafolch8067 it depends on the weather and the yield of the wheat. This would be a rough estimate…1 cup of wheat =2 cups of flour. One gallon of wheat = 16 cups of grain, therefore you would need to plant 8 cups of wheat to yield 16 cups. Planting 8 cups of wheat would need 40 sq. ft. of garden space. Please don’t quote me on this. Your best bet would be to contact your nearest county agricultural office and they could have a more accurate estimate. Good luck!

[@shelleycrouch3084]

I'm excited to see your wheat grow🌾🌾

[@leahdavis6913]

Still LOVING the view of your new walks! Hope all goes well with the wheat!

[@32dras]

I inherited my family homestead, I'm not farming but my parents was, having 5 cows and pigs and growing food for those animals, wheat, barley, corn and making hay so I was helping them in my free time and wheat production is not unfamiliar to me. It's a great experiment but just have one thing on your mind, wheat tend to flop if over fertilized or from strong wind, with wind you get, maybe plant in spring something for wind block. I'm looking forward to see how this will turn on 🙂

[@Pervydachny]

Hello Laura! You impressed me with the planting of wheat. Where I used to live, I hope to return to my native land, there were many wheat fields around. Let's watch the shoots. Good luck to you👍🌻💙

[@marinbandel2574]

Good morning Laura! Love how you are always trying new things in the garden and why not? Can't wait to see how pretty this is. Hugs from N.C. ❤️

[@carrie-annphillips327]

I just discovered your channel. I love the garden. I LOVE the flower shed (I want to live in it) and I LOOVE the chicken coop

[@marilynnergord7993]

This video just reminded me I need to take my apples out of the dehydrator. I’ve been making these for four years and have discovered that treating them with lemon juice makes little difference. I’ve gone with sprinkling them with a little cinnamon and that’s it! Next year try drying sliced strawberries. It’s some work, but they are wonderful.

[@michelesimpson2237]

Good Morning GA friends and gardeners. It’s raining here in Austin 8b. Much needed rain.

[@gaylestegall7239]

Good to hear. It’s also raining in Abilene. I always welcome rain.

[@LitlPoot]

I, as so many of your other fellow gardeners, think the new property is the perfect spot for a wheat field - imagine wheat & lavender & wildflowers - yes !!!! it could be absolutely glorious if you choose to do so - something to consider, eh?

[@brendatroche5762]

I loved learning about the wheat and peeling & preparing the apples 🍎 for drying! Great info. Thanks!

[@susieqmartin2746]

Laura, I have found a plastic realistic owl, keeps the birds away, really really well!!!! I’ve kept them out of my strawberry patch, with great success, using a realistic plastic owl!

[@NetEenWaarheid]

So sweet - glean the edges like Ruth

[@joanadams4291]

I am trying winter rye in my garden this year. I used a hand spreader to get a more even coverage of seed. Worked really well. Excited to see how it helps my soil for next year.

[@dianedurham1209]

be aware that winter rye will suppress germination of seed for up to a month after you remove it in the spring. I have to reseed twice before I learned this.

[@leahrodrick2228]

Wow wheat, how fun!! I would love to have a place to plant wheat! Can’t wait to see how it grows and what you do with it. I bought one of those dehydrators last year after watching you use yours. I have loved it!

[@GardenHappy]

Oh nice I have always wanted to plant wheat as a cover crop! Its going to look GORGEOUS!!! 🧡❤️💜💙💚

[@fleurjardin1012]

It is always fun to try something new. Good luck!

[@juliafiore120]

Good morning, Laura☕️ How exciting for the wheat crop! The dried 🍎 looked delish. Enjoy and, have a Blessed Day 😊🐈

[@avanoble2663]

Can't wait to see how it grows for you. I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada where it grew so well. The climate has a lot of similarities! Good luck:)

[@karenturner7983]

This is exciting. I am looking forward to your harvest. Thanks for sharing.

[@truthbetold2611]

So excited you're planting winter wheat! Wheat bundles make the most heart-warming fall decors. I've wanted to grow some but couldn't find good video instructions. All the ideas you've shared are very helpful. Thank you Laura!

[@marilynnergord7993]

Love that you planted wheat. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

[@jennrea4275]

I had wheat germinate from some straw I used in my garden. Don’t worry it will definitely grow! Good luck💕

[@melindamoore9449]

Love this! Thanks for sharing your process on dehydrating the apples also! I may need to invest in a dehydrater ! Bet it is great for oranges, pineapples, cranberries, etc. for Christmas as well. Excited to see the wheat! I wish I had your energy and back! Smiled at you hand turning the wheat! You are truly all "hands on" Laura! Your energy is boundless. I am at least your mom's age or older (66 shhhhhh) and you are the first video I watch every day. Thank you. Many blessings to you and your beautiful family.

[@mimosveta]

epic garden once grew wheat, I'd say you'd get about 3 loafs from that. from memory, I didn't go back to check, but he got one loaf, and he had about a third of your patch for it

[@Daffodils2Daisies]

It's crazy to watch you still growing things right now since in SE Wisconsin we are 35* and snow in the forecast. I'm jealous!

[@shellisspace]

I'm in Dodge county, WI and we got snow early this morning !

[@Daffodils2Daisies]

@@shellisspace right after I wrote this, I went to take the dog out and it’s snowing lol!

[@rasheawhite3644]

Hi, sissy! It's always nice to try new things that improve the landscape of our lives and vision for and in life.🥰🙏🏾💕🤗

[@dagorithe]

I did winter rye over my corn patch for the first time. That’s how I sowed my seed. I did rototill prior because the ground was hard … I left it dormant too long after harvesting the sweet corn. After broadcasting the seed, I did lightly rake the soil over.

[@lauraduchek5080]

the peeler/slicer is the best invention ever!

[@smoothsailingmp]

Hope your wheat turns out fantastic. A lady we like to watch on You Tube is Hillbilly Kitchen. Her husband passed away this February 2022....she and her husband had been giving away boxes of kitchen staples for those who are elderly, live alone, who can't get out to shop when they are in need. She now does this on her own. She shows how to make fantastic breads , rolls, etc and just had one this last week or so with many great tips...and does much more than breads She, as a Christian woman with a big heart, gives away these gift boxes to these people in need.

[@katiedc8239]

I watch that show and she is a wonderful lady!

[@rhondafisher72]

I have one of those apple peelers and I love it. Never dehydrated anything, but have made lots and lots of apple pies, apple sauce.

[@berthongo8531]

Thought I saw that fence starting to move but luckily, Aaron showed up and leaned against it and kept it from moving. 😁

[@___Laura]

Such a cool project! I love to see you do new things. Does your brother still brew beer? It would be cool if you grew hops, wheat and other ingredients for his beer.

[@DIM1953]

You could try planting your wheat in rows next to your drip tape. We used 6” or 12” spacing in the field. That might give better moisture control. Be mindful of fertilizer requirements, might need some additional nitrogen in the spring.

[@melodymiller8513]

The walkway and stone patio area are perfection.

[@thelmahall2593]

you did a great job adding compost on top of the seeds and you could plant wheat next year in the new property if you like the wheat also you could plant corn and more crops on the new property too

[@shirleyvastine9328]

Can't wait to see the wheat crop. I think it is one of the most beautiful crops at all stages of it's growth, even after it's cut and looks like a field of scrub brushes!

[@SisterShirley]

Hello from one Shirley to another. There are not too many of us left in this world. Peace be with you, my friend in name and Garden Answer!

[@enbrij]

I think this wheat would be beautiful planted in the new space you have along with lavender and maybe(?) Some corn? Maybe once you get some water to that area. I imagine that area being so pretty like that :) Of course no matter what you do it turns out amazingly gorgeous!!

[@jeanniehall1440]

Interesting idea 💡 Can't wait to see the finished product

[@anonomouselephant6169]

Watching Garden Answer for many years, loving the development of the "Heart"ly, for some reason planting wheat brought forth the question/suggestion: Lavender and Rosemary for hedges like you use boxwood. These both can be trimmed and shaped just like a boxwood, but if you miss a trimming, they still look beautiful and smell amazing. Also, the flowers are a bonus if you don't get to the trimming until later. I simply imagine walking around the hartley catching a few scents in the air of lavender and rosemary. If you have done hedges with either of these plants, I have not caught it. It would be really beneficial for your viewers to see if you have not. You have so much opportunity to place this almost anywhere on the new property you are developing as well. Thank you for all you do. I love your show, Good on you both Laura and Aaron - sending tons of blessings.

[@beckycartledge9719]

She has a lavender hedge outside the kitchen garden.

[@wandabrown508]

I love the idea of substituting dried apples fir potato chips!

[@SaltCreekFarmstead]

I just loaded up my dehydrator last night too! I actually posted a boomerang of my apple corer machine on my ig. Love having tools that make our jobs easier!

[@rosealvarado264]

Good morning all have a safe and blessed day

[@alw5101]

Oh Rose same to you✨🤍🙏🏼

[@valerialamberti9037]

The smile in Laura's face! She Is very eager to see the wheat!

[@wendycash54]

Dehydrated apples are a favorite of ours! I put mine in mason jars and seal them with my food saver. I love the apple peeler/corer, makes the job go so fast! Can't wait to see the wheat experiment. I've been thinking about doing some so I'm anxious to see how yours turns out!

[@minisinthehallshorts]

Hi Wendy, where can I purchase the apple peeler?

[@oldfashionedonpurpose4020]

Laura! You are reading my mind! 😂 I grind wheat berries and make flour and bread at home. It’s fantastic! The flavor is so much better than store bought. We have discussed doing this many times. Thank you for diving in…now I can learn from your mistakes AND successes! PS-Love the snip-it of you and your mom in the field… reminds me of Leviticus 23:22. You should print that and hanging on the wall beautiful

[@StephD4207]

Totally fascinating!!

[@kristibrooks967]

Seeing rake laid tines up over Laura's shoulder made me smile.I had a friend whose wife was French and he used to say "that is the way the French do it!" In all good humor. 👍

[@rebeccawoodbixler9536]

This wheat is going to be interesting watch and I love dried apples!

[@gaylerichards7409]

Wow! What a pleasant surprise today! Planting wheat and such great information! Loved the dehydration of apples too! Great videos Laura! Thank you!

[@alessioconnie]

I’m so excited to see how this wheat turns out.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I like to dehydrate fruit too. Yes, good snack. The wheat will be wonderful for crafting!!!

[@mmelven8558]

Another interesting video. Thank you. My father often planted a "green cover" crop (usually buckwheat) after harvest that he would later till under to add to the soil.

[@barbb.9489]

Praying for Success, Laura!❤

[@mrs.johnson8033]

Dehydrated pear slices are amazing! You should try them sometime. We also like "fire" bananas. That was a happy accident we discovered when we used the same racks for banana slices right after dehydrating hot peppers. The younger kids love fruit leather. Peach and strawberry are their favorites. With all your raspberries, I would give that a try, too. As an extra tip, adding a little fruit pectin helps make some purees more leathery and less crunchy when dried.

[@alw5101]

OMG that sounds delicious 😋 I’m running out to the nearest store to get me a dehydrator ASAP!

[@diannerichard2509]

@@alw5101 You will love it1

[@alw5101]

I never realized how endless the delicious 😋 treats could be! Is pineapple 🍍 too wet to do in the dehydrator?

[@lynnelovett8999]

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out Ms Laura. Yummy dried apples. Thank you for sharing. God's speed to you and yours.

[@stephaniewilliams9469]

It’s always nice to sprinkle the apples with a little bit of cinnamon before going into the dehydrator also! So tasty!

[@lorihardman1833]

Yum! I love dried apples! Thanks for the suggestion! I should be eating those instead of chips! Your pumpkin display is beautiful! Good luck with the wheat 😃