Wheatgrass in a box? No dirt?

[nicollette]

We ordered a flat of wheatgrass from the HFS and it came in today. When we got out to the car we moved the plastic bag that the flat was wrapped in to discover that the wheatgrass wasn't planted in dirt, it was just sitting in the plastic wrap in the box. We were also given instructions to keep it refrigerated?? It's also yellowish at the top and not very dark green.

When we got home my dh put it into a glass pryex dish. Is there any way to save this or is this normal? We just spent 25 bucks on it and are very disappointed.

[nicollette]

Hubby just juiced some and it not only tastes like water w/a hint of wheatgrass, but it took a quarter of the flat to give half an ounce. :mad: I think I'm going to ask for my money back.

[lily]

What a shame. It doesn't matter that there's no soil -- wheatgrass is often grown without it -- but there shouldn't be any yellow on the leaves, they need to look lovely and green and strong and lively, and produce plenty of juice with a really 'grassy' flavour... I think the flat you bought was tired and old and you would be definitely right to take it back. Better luck next time!

lily

[EZ rider]

Do the tops of the blades look like they have been cut before ?

[nicollette]

no, the tops look new and quite pointed. We're going to see if we can make it greener by trying to keep it in sunlight. But, we are expecting rainy weather all week.

How much water should we keep in the dish? Because it's a Pyrex dish it doesn't have drainage holes. Should we just be misting it?

[lily]

It just needs to be kept damp. As long as it's standing up straight and not wilting, it's getting enough water. Misting it is a good idea and you probably won't have to add extra water if you do this.

Good luck -- I do hope you're successful with it.

lily

[nicollette]

Still trying, but the seeds are getting awfully black and moldy. I've been keeping the trays outside in the sun during the day but the wheatgrass roots keeping getting moldier. But I've read that one can still juice the grass, just wash it first, so that's what we'll do if we can green it up.

[Raw Mom]

Yuck....well there's a first time for everything. I've never heard of that situation before. If you could get it to green, it may be fine to drink. Just cut above the mold. But it doesn't sound like you know how LONG it's been trying to grow?? If it's over 2 weeks, it's probably not that potent anymore. Didn't sound like optimal growing conditions. Check out my website if you'd like to grow your own ever....:cool:

[lily]

I think it's getting old... when I grow wheatgrass, it takes about a fortnight to get to 6 inches tall, then I cut it and use it within a day or two...

If I were you, I'd try your wheatgrass and see how it tastes -- it may have got a bit too old.

lily