Barley Growing Guide0% read

Barley Growing Guide

Barley is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.

ModerateGrainAnnual~60 days to maturityCool Season

At a Glance

Difficulty

Moderate

When To Start

First Chance to Plant

45 Days Before Last Frost

Last Chance to Plant

60 Days Before First Frost

When should you plant Barley?

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Your Barley Planting Window

Start planting

May 15, 2026

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Last chance

Sep 10, 2026

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The Journey Ahead

Barley's Lifecycle

Seedling

Mature Plant

Seed Production

Step 1

Prepare Your Space

2 cm

Seeding Depth

5 cm

Plant Spacing

15 cm

Row Spacing

Plants / Sq Ft

Vertical Growing

No.

Method: None

Succession Planting

Yes.

Good Companions

Alfalfaclovervetchpeasbeansgarliconionsmarigoldyarrowdillchamomile

Bad Companions

None widely known

Step 2

Planting & Sprouting

Expect sprouts in 4–10 days

Growing Tips

1Plant barley in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
2Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter, and water it moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3Space the seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
4For pest control, regularly check for aphids and use insecticidal soap if needed.

Seedling Phase

Step 3

Growth & Maturity

~60

Days to Maturity

90 cm

Mature Height

3 cm

Mature Width

Pests to Watch For

Aphidsarmywormscutwormswirewormsgrasshoppers

Diseases to Watch For

Powdery mildewLeaf rustBarley yellow dwarf virusNet blotchScald

Mature Plant

Step 4

Harvesting

Harvest Window

21 days

When to Pick

Harvest grain when fully dry

How to Harvest

1Harvest barley when the grains are hard and the stalks have turned golden brown.
2Cut the stalks close to the ground using a sickle or sharp shears.
3To avoid damaging the plant, handle the stalks gently and avoid pulling them out by the roots.

Step 5

Saving Seeds

How to Save Seeds

Saving seeds from your barley plant is simple and rewarding! Once the barley heads turn golden and the stalks are dry, gently cut the heads and place them in a paper bag to finish drying for about a week. Rub the heads between your hands to release the seeds, then separate out any chaff. Store your clean, dry barley seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight jar in a cool, dry place—like a pantry or cupboard. You’ve just taken the first step toward a sustainable garden, and with each season, your confidence and harvest will grow!

Seed Production