Oats Growing Guide
Oats is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Grain
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Cold Hardiness
Survives to -12°C
Plant Family
Poaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
How to Start It
★ Recommended for beginners
Scatter or drill seed into raked soil in early spring and rake in; they germinate readily and grow fast. Net against birds.
A cool-season cereal usually sown in early spring (or autumn in mild climates), broadcast or drilled straight into the soil. Oats are easy, tolerate poorer, damper ground than wheat, and double as an excellent quick cover crop / green manure — a frost in cold climates kills the cover cleanly, leaving a weed-smothering mulch. Harvest the grain when the heads turn golden and droop.
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
40 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Oats?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Oats Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
Your Oats Calendar
Set your location to turn these into exact dates and reminders.
Sow oats in early spring (broadcast & rake in)
2 weeks before your last frost· every year
Harvest oats when heads are golden & drooping
120 days after your last frost· every year· optional
The Journey Ahead
Oats's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
1 cm
Seeding Depth
10 cm
Plant Spacing
30 cm
Row Spacing
9
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
No.
Method: None
Succession Planting
Yes.
Good Companions
Bad Companions
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant oats in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, ensuring they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- 2Water them regularly, 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 disease.
- 4For pest control, monitor for common pests like aphids and use insecticidal soap if needed.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~105
Days to Maturity
100 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
21 days
When to Pick
Harvest grain when seed heads turn golden
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest oats when the grains are firm and have a golden color, typically in late summer.
- 2Cut the stalks close to the ground using a sharp sickle or scythe, being careful not to damage the remaining plant base.
- 3Bundle the cut stalks and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area before threshing.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your oats plant is a simple and rewarding process that any new grower can master! Once your oats have matured and the seed heads turn golden and dry, simply cut the stalks and let them dry further in a cool, airy place. Gently rub the seed heads between your hands to release the seeds, then sift out any chaff. Store your clean, dry oat seeds in a paper envelope or glass jar, and keep them in a cool, dry spot—like a pantry or cupboard—until you’re ready to plant again. With just a little effort, you’ll have your own homegrown oats to sow next season!
Seed Production
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