The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: Garyreg on December 19, 2016, 05:23:21 pm

Title: Advice on selecting the correct grain to grow wheat and where to get it?
Post by: Garyreg on December 19, 2016, 05:23:21 pm

Good afternoon  I work in a childrens hospice in Guildford and I m looking to create an area where I can involve the children in growing wheat so they can see the whole process of growing, harvesting and making bread. I am looking for advice on what grain to use and where I can get a small quantity. Your help would be much appreciated Regards Gary

Title: Re: Advice on selecting the correct grain to grow wheat and where to get it?
Post by: pgkevet on December 23, 2016, 04:54:56 pm

For a small quantity BUT it's winter wheat and you;re a bit late unless you get lucky sowing that. I did a small patch of wheat and of barley in september for fun... birds ate all the wheat but did leave the other which is nicely sprouted

https://www.kingsseeds.com/Products/Vegetables/Ancient-Grains/WHEAT-200gm (https://www.kingsseeds.com/Products/Vegetables/Ancient-Grains/WHEAT-200gm)

Title: Re: Advice on selecting the correct grain to grow wheat and where to get it?
Post by: henchard on December 23, 2016, 05:17:03 pm

Ideally you need a 'strong' hard breadmaking wheat variety. As has been pointed out winter wheat has been sown by now; some spring varieties may be suitable but you'd need to check.

I would suggest contacting a number of commercial seed breeders like here

http://www.nickersonseeds.co.uk/crops/cereals/spring-wheat (http://www.nickersonseeds.co.uk/crops/cereals/spring-wheat)

explain the project and ask if they could donate a small amount. You only need a small amount and it would be good PR for them?

Don't forget that many commercial seeds are 'dressed' with fungicides etc. So you'd need to handle with care (especially with the school/children environment).

http://www.gleadell.co.uk/products/seed/dressings (http://www.gleadell.co.uk/products/seed/dressings)