Watching my wheatgrass grow!!!

[islesgirl]

Yippee! I decided to start a new thread about this since no one saw my question the other day in my old thread. And so far, so good, it is turning greener by the minute and growing taller too. It is just amazing, amazing.:D

I had to drain out an awful lot of water last night - I had almost drowned my precious little crop. I hope I won't get mold.

My husband took a picture of it this morning/ Now I am trying to find out the best kind of water for it. My husband said his indoor plants thrive on "bottled water". I have been using filtered water (Brita). Any comments on this dear Rawbies? I might punch some holes in the bottom of my tray for the next batch. We'll see.

As for my question about growing this stuff in our cold unheated garage in the west window - well I guess it would simply be too cold during the winter months. Anyway, we rigged up some fluorescent lights over our dining room table for now. And I am planning to set things up for my sprouting and wheatgrass growing in our bathroom which is huge. I even have my dehydrator in there. So today I am off to search for some kind of shelving or a wall unit I can use for all this stuff and upon which my husband can attach grow lights. Oh I am so excited about this new venture! I feel like a kid again - like the summer before last when I grew my greens.


xoxo

Sue.

[DebB]

Hi islesgirl ~ It is exciting, isn't it! I water my wheat grass (and sprouts, etc.) with our Reverse Osmosis water. Now I've started filling up glass containers and letting the RO water sit for at least 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate. I do that for my drinking water, but will soon start using this water for my wheatgrass and sprouts as well. Just experimenting around.

Keep us posted as far as mold, ok? It's something I struggle with. I planted my current batch of wg on a tray (instead of planting trays that I've always used) using much less dirt just to see if that changed anything as far as mold. Sigh - I still have a patch. I'll continue on though - never discouraged! *Ü*

[islesgirl]

Hi Deb. A funny thing happened regarding mold the other day. I actually thought that it was already growing, but no, it was just the tiny hairs growing on the sprouts!

I may go for that Reverse Osmosis water in time. Worth checking into by the sound of it from others. But I am wondering if it is still worth it if I have to let it sit for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate?

I am trying to find out the difference between bottled water and filtered water too. I have been reading the posts here but am still not too sure yet of the dangers of the bottled water which my husband says is fine compared to the filtered. I bet it's not.

Sue.

[DebB]

Hi Sue ~ I wanted to say that I'm just experimenting around with letting the RO sit and chlorine evaporate... We've had RO water for about 27 years and this is the first I've ever done that :)

Our water here in town is pretty heavily chlorinated. I don't smell it in the RO water, but I sure can in the plain tap water.

We've been looking into chlorine filters for our showers.

Yes - I hear you on those cute little root hairs. I've got a tray of sunflower sprouts growing right now and I kept my fingers crossed that their fine little root hairs were just that! They're about ready to harvest and there's no mold on the sunnies. Yay! *Ü*

[islesgirl]

Hi again Deb. Yes, I want to sprout sunflower seeds too. As for the water (tap) I can definitely smell the chlorine in it and sometimes I think I taste it. But I don't actually drink that much. When I do I use the bottled or the Brita. I believe what I've read about getting plenty of it from the fresh fruit and veggies we eat and put in our smoothies. But I still am interested in checking out the RO water system.

You should see how much my wheatgrass has grown just since this morning.:D It is really getting so green and I swear that it must have grown about an inch since this morning.

Sue.

[DebB]

Hi Sue ~ It's just you and me and our wheatgrass today - ha!

This is my first time growing sunflower seeds. When you have time, would you post how you grow yours? I'm growing mine on a large cafeteria-type tray, no holes.

I soaked them overnight. I put about a 1" layer of soil on the tray, leaving a 1-2" soilless border. Then I placed the soaked seeds on top, lightly watered and covered this with another tray for about 3 days.

I then uncovered and placed in sunlight. They're about ready to harvest.

What do you do with yours? I figured I'd toss mine into salads or make a sprout lettuce wrap with tomatoes and avos....

I'm glad you started this thread! *Ü*

[michigan roman]

i was growing sun seeds , types in the shell i bought for squirrels ,
in my garden or indoors in plastic dishpans . ide cover with like a quarter in soil . then when they got to like 4 inch and above ide either cut off at soil with scissors or pull entire plant and rinse roots . excellent addition to salads

plus just on own i really like the sprout . really cheap to boot

and wheat seed indoors doesnt need much light , i grew in a north east corner room during the low sunlight winters of michigan facing an east window . it doesnt last as long as in really sunny conditions but as long as have warmth theyll go

im focused on getting to a self sufficiency diet of

sprouts

greens

seeds


that being the bulk of diet . with smaller percentages of fruit / nuts / vegi


drinking water with an occasional cheat on coffee ;)

[islesgirl]

Hi Sue ~ It's just you and me and our wheatgrass today - ha!

This is my first time growing sunflower seeds. When you have time, would you post how you grow yours? I'm growing mine on a large cafeteria-type tray, no holes.

I soaked them overnight. I put about a 1" layer of soil on the tray, leaving a 1-2" soilless border. Then I placed the soaked seeds on top, lightly watered and covered this with another tray for about 3 days.

I then uncovered and placed in sunlight. They're about ready to harvest.

What do you do with yours? I figured I'd toss mine into salads or make a sprout lettuce wrap with tomatoes and avos....

I'm glad you started this thread! *Ü*

Just a quick response as I'm pressed for time. Deb, all I did was sprout them and then I put them in a salad. I wasn't overly thrilled with them. But I am sure I just need practice. I haven't tried them in earth. I did this in a colander like someone here once suggested. I think it was michigan roman.

- later -

[islesgirl]

It was good to hear from you michigan roman. And I am glad to know that this wheatgrass is so hardy. I think we'll just continue on the way we're going, for now, with the hanging fluorescent lamp during the day. All of our basement apt. windows are very poorly situated - not one east window and not one indoor west window (just that one in the garage). I am so excited about beginning sprouting. I have been meaning to do this for a long time. I'll keep posting as I go along. I like the idea of using a dishpan for sprouting. I just happen to have an older rubbermaid dish tray (the kind one uses under the dish rack) which is what it sounds like you use? Another thing I thought I might try sometime is a simple little produce wooden box - the kind that we get our clementines in? My husband said I'd have to line it with plastic though. Your diet sounds great. How are you feeling? I didn't have coffee today, but it's the hardest thing for me to stay away from. Nope - just tons of green smoothies for me today.:)

Sue

[michigan roman]

hi islegirl :)

heres the dish pan type im refering to

http://snip.www.freshdeals.com/red.php?uvx=rpTUSLQkLmt6R0IWBdqqzGN2Xsgbpo6fbA_Wez aGsUZV5NSf2caUz1XJgVIlGQsj2Gv7cZ846_oHZHIo4dqYNR3R rCqC0Z3GMDm89dLSKS-YEyLCWKckPqjCokN5gGOK_jPzsa95jwM3CbgZW2UF9dbTQVNBE A5I-mty1nUMUvgwm4bTnYZX3Tu743HNON_DG1BetBQ4W_ztMrISUk9-SWYknw_P3XwrQIj_fGRjSCS4AZtwluwY3FzAtNqZaSCYcJ3Pnm jYAJVSfZrzhjdDJKQIXLNnxIy7dO2CTWNsuFzSDxZoHfEWkjsq w4UZ_d-NVHppzDc5tAh4kxl8vns2jsO-WOb2RBY1TNEw5AZG9kJ8BIjDBH7VzkCtnDppEauxFEpB8rJu-koJghsZOx-bX4asJEYU5fjebj2mvLdRpjbUNmnVarkJj8DMnt5pmhbUlRbnl 88qVqoae-GxPj2dL8CEmjNQQYtU1Ds0g2RoiTWdB-f4vuFAVpAiPbeHV4egvrWUvndaTXQGg1f32gz7jPOi3ztedoTv DsDLe527NWNqBqNDh0Qpx9ugrfofY6Zwprbk2yRoeVwrXhIkgV-SEreByKK3nH7bXMhQQBVBGM3JClfB8oQcUhugdHCjujkWG2zgW Z-9OqPzpS0E6UkSA1QOvOeETm3_de2clIJn_wE*


i get cheap black ones at dollar store because they dont look as dirty as the white ones once you start putting soil in them

and dude i feel great :D

happy holidays :)

* now i must return to constructing my shopping game plan as 4am tonite the black friday shopping spree begins ,
32" lcd sony for $380 at sears = chaaaaaaa ching :cool:

[islesgirl]

michigan roman or Deb or anyone?

My wheatgrass is 4 inches tall and sooooo green:D It looks just perfect - tall and straight and abundant. The question is though, that since it has been covered with a lovely heavy dew ever since we uncovered it and put it under the light 3 days ago, we don't know if we should water it at all yet. It truly seems to be watering itself. What should I be doing? Watering or letting it be for now? Thanks so much for your help guys.

hey michigan roman- were you able to get the tv you wanted? How early did you get up and when were you in the store?:)

Sue.

[DebB]

Hi Sue ~ I'm still a relative newbie with these things, but what I do and would recommend if your WG is far enough along, with a developed root system - is to literally grab the WG at the corner of the pot and lift up. If the root system's developed enough - it will lift up like a solid mat. Then simply feel the bottom of the dirt and you can get a pretty good idea if it needs water or not.

Mine gets dewy as well, even uncovered! It's its own little eco system :)

Alas ~ I'm obviously overwatering my sunflower sprouts because today I can see mold on the soil. I'll still use them, just cut above the mold and blast/rinse them well. They're delicious and I'm really enjoying them.

Tomorrow I'll just my WG tray ~ it's ready to go. *Ü*

[michigan roman]

dont know how it works with the light cuz never used

its like a balance between too much moisture causing mold .
or not enough causing the grass to wilt .
trial and error in each particular enviroment

no didnt buy tv because i decided that i didnt want to
spend the money when ive already a decent working tv ,
while at the same time most stuff / commercials that come
out of the thing have a globalist / manipulative / brainwashing
theme to them so i can barely
stand watching the damn thing much anyway .....:D

but dude i do need my nhl hockey fix so i still feature a tv in home :cool:


i did buy a nice craftsman floor jack half off at $25 though :)

wheat grass = natures vitamin pill :D

[lovenlife]

I am inspired to plant some wheatgrass. Not sure what seeds or wheatberries to use???
Trays and what kind of soil to use??? Help I want to grow some!! I JUST got a champion juicer today for TEN DOLLARS that will do the wheatgrass!!!

I am so excited about your experience Sue...that is so great. I love all you are doing with this growing green!!!

[RawTruth]

Hey little wheatgrass-growing group!

Here's a website http://www.hippocratesgreenhouse.com/ that I'll personally vouch for where you'll get all the info you'll ever need about growing wheatgrass and the other sprout staples (sunflower & pea sprouts). Michael is the most knowledgeable guy around (he was the wheatgrass guy at Optimum Health Institute in San Diego for like 12 yrs before going to HHI in Florida where I think he's been for ... oh, geez, way over 10 yrs at at least) and will answer any and all emailed questions. He especially likes photos sent with problems that he'll trouble-shoot. (Do not call him and do yourself a favor and be sure not to ask questions he's already answered somewhere -- he doesn't suffer that gladly, but I can't blame him. Not to scare you away!!)

I learned how to grow wheatgrass and sprouts at HHI in August. I have all the seeds and stuff. I just have had so much else to attend to since I've returned that I do buy my wheatgrass at the moment -- $8.99 a flat which lasts a week. Not nearly as cheap as growing it myself, but, still ... it gives me my required two shots a day!

I'll join you on this adventure soon. Meanwhile, take a peek here, look around, and there's a free video on there, too, I think.

By the way, until I was able to get a Green Power, I used the hand-cranked Healthy Juicer twice a day and it works great. By the way, a Champion -- which is a masticating type of juicer -- will not juice wheatgrass. You need a juicer with an auger or two. When I'm making my own juice again, I'll go back to the Healthy Juicer, when I'm just juicing a shot and not following with green juice, too. That's how easy it is to use and clean.

http://www.hippocratesgreenhouse.com/

[michigan roman]

yeeeeeee haaaaaaaaa RAWTRUTHS here :)

we miss you , and were not learning
without you teaching so were pouting :p


good timing because with the cold season hitting my
gardens just about done so i better start wheat juicing
and sprouting

wondering have you done anything on youtube ,
or do you aspire to do anything audio / video ?
or want to just stick to written word as your
so awesome at that ?

as your manager :D heres my game plan = you and ani phyo
as my dream team , tv/radio/books . she brings the charm .
you bring the brains / knowledge / wit . though ive never
seen you do video so we might not need ani as you could very
well pack the charm / charisma on video , then its a 50 50 split
instead of 33 / 33 / 33 :D

[DebB]

Thank you Raw Truth! I'll head over to your link pronto - I'm anxious to see what's over there :)

I have a question for you. You said that a tray of WG will last you a week. So, can you tell me how you go about harvesting it? Do you just cut enough to juice that day? (Which I know would be the very best way to go). When you buy the tray of WG, isn't it all mature and ready to juice - if so, then how do you get it to "last" a week longer? I hope I'm making my question clear...

I would love to juice my WG daily, I just couldn't seem to figure out the logistics of getting it to last unless I grew small trays that I would juice each tray daily, then the following day - the next tray would be ready...

Right now, I've been growing in large 11x22" (approx. size) trays, 3 at a time and then I'll go ahead and juice it all, portion it out and freeze.

I too have a Champion and cannot juice WG with it, so I blend it in my Blendtec with added water.

I'm learning, learning ~ mostly trying to combat this darn mold problem. I've even looked at Steve Myerowitz (sp), AKA The Sproutman's soilless method. I've also received an email from Viktorus Kulvinskas (again - sp) about his soilless method, but haven't tried it.

So much to learn, but it's fun! Thanks again for your post and links ~ I'm off to check it out. *Ü*

[DebB]

I am inspired to plant some wheatgrass. Not sure what seeds or wheatberries to use???
Trays and what kind of soil to use??? Help I want to grow some!! I JUST got a champion juicer today for TEN DOLLARS that will do the wheatgrass!!!

I am so excited about your experience Sue...that is so great. I love all you are doing with this growing green!!!

Hi lovenlife ~ I'll try to help :)

I use organic hard winter wheat berries, I buy mine from Azure Standard.

I ordered my trays here (http://wheatgrasskits.com/). In fact, I started out by ordering their wheat grass kit that comes with everything I needed to get going. I knew absolutely nothing about growing WG, but I wanted to learn.

Then as time went by, I added more trays from the above site. I looked locally and wasn't able to find them anywhere. I use trays with holes in the bottom set inside another tray with no holes, so that will catch any dripping water.

I actually keep the planted tray propped up a bit by using plastic deli containers between them to help with air flow. But I wanted trays with holes and another tray to catch the drips because I can't have "plant potty" going everywhere, I'm not set up for that (like in a garage or basement...). Mine are set up in my kitchen.

I've got a Champion and WHAT a DEAL you got today for $10?? Wow - that's amazing. I'd be dancing a jig!

I'm not able to juice WG with my Champion though :( I wish I was. I actually have been blending mine in my Blendtec as it's all I can do right now.

I'm off to check out Raw Truth's links, I still have a lot to learn about growing WG. *Ü*

[islesgirl]

[QUOTE=DebB;574139]Hi Sue ~ I'm still a relative newbie with these things, but what I do and would recommend if your WG is far enough along, with a developed root system - is to literally grab the WG at the corner of the pot and lift up. If the root system's developed enough - it will lift up like a solid mat. Then simply feel the bottom of the dirt and you can get a pretty good idea if it needs water or not.

Thanks so much for the advice Deb. I did this today and it didn't fall apart. It is just like you said - a solid mat with lots of nice roots. It was barely damp so we gave the guys a drink but not too much. There is still dew on the blades of grass (so neat and pretty).

Glad that you are loving your sunflower sprouts. I'll be doing them again sometime too. And other sprouts. I'll be checking in on your effort with the WG.:D Of course, mine isn't quite ready to juice and it could still go wrong I guess.. But it just looks too healthy.

xoxo
Sue.

[islesgirl]

I am inspired to plant some wheatgrass. Not sure what seeds or wheatberries to use???
Trays and what kind of soil to use??? Help I want to grow some!! I JUST got a champion juicer today for TEN DOLLARS that will do the wheatgrass!!!

I am so excited about your experience Sue...that is so great. I love all you are doing with this growing green!!!

Hey there lovenlife - how is life treating you today? I just got to my computer now and I think others may have already kindly answered your questions. I will have to go over everyone's posts more carefully as I've just briefly scanned them so far.

Sounds like a fabulous deal - the juicer! If you can't use if for wheatgrass, I am sure I read that someone simply puts her wheatgrass into her blender (vita-mix?) and liquifies it and then strains it. Makes sense. You could try it.

As for the wheat seeds - I buy hard winter wheat from a health food store. There is also a "soft" one. That isn't the one I use for wheatgrass.
The soil was from Home Depot and it is called "Miracle Gro Choice Potting Mix" and I think I read that I should have added some peat moss to this, but I forgot. You might want to check into that. And I bought the trays there too I think. They come with a lid too. There are no holes in the bottom and so far, so good - no mold .....yet. Measurements: 21" x 11" x 2 1/2". I soaked 2 cups of the berries in twice as much water overnight and then sprouted them.

yes I am having a ball doing this. There is something so very thrilling about watching this stuff grow and knowing it is going to make you healthier and happier and stronger~ Have a great day.

Sue.

[islesgirl]

[QUOTE=RawTruth;574167]Hey little wheatgrass-growing group!

Here's a website http://www.hippocratesgreenhouse.com/ that I'll personally vouch for where you'll get all the info you'll ever need about growing wheatgrass and the other sprout staples (sunflower & pea sprouts). Michael is the most knowledgeable guy around (he was the wheatgrass guy at Optimum Health Institute in San Diego for like 12 yrs before going to HHI in Florida where I think he's been for ... oh, geez, way over 10 yrs at at least) and will answer any and all emailed questions. He especially likes photos sent with problems that he'll trouble-shoot. (Do not call him and do yourself a favor and be sure not to ask questions he's already answered somewhere -- he doesn't suffer that gladly, but I can't blame him. Not to scare you away!!)

I learned how to grow wheatgrass and sprouts at HHI in August.


I hope that you are doing well RawTruth. I must look up your latest posts to check up on you. Thank you very much for posting the information about this wheatgrass and sprouts pro.

Sue.

[lovenlife]

I thought the champ would do wheatgrass???? It sure maes on emean banana strawberry ice cream....I post pix below...hahaha. Maybe I could make wheatgrass banana ice cream...hahahaa.

I understood if you cut the wheatgrass all up, it doesnt get stuck and bind the auger(mine is auger type) and it makes wg juice...no? And you can also alternate it with other harder veggies and make a mixed juice with the WG..no?

[DebB]

I thought the champ would do wheatgrass???? It sure maes on emean banana strawberry ice cream....I post pix below...hahaha. Maybe I could make wheatgrass banana ice cream...hahahaa.

I understood if you cut the wheatgrass all up, it doesnt get stuck and bind the auger(mine is auger type) and it makes wg juice...no? And you can also alternate it with other harder veggies and make a mixed juice with the WG..no?

Hi lovenlife ~ Give it a try and see how it goes. I tried and it just bogged down. I even cut the grass blades into thirds and fourths. It heated up... My Champion is about 30 years old, so I don't know if the newer models can handle WG or not..?

I do blend mine in my BTec and then strain it. I still cut it into thirds and blend it with water and a few ice cubes and then strain it. My trays are approx 11x22 and I drink more than a 1 ounce shot per day - so I figure each tray equals 6 days for me. Then I portion it into small deli-style containers and freeze.

[islesgirl]

Deb - just wondered if my "thank you" to you got lost in the crowd of other posts here today and that maybe you didn't see it. Maybe that is what those "subscribed threads" thingys are for? Just want you to know that I did say something to you post #19 - you've been such a help.:)

Anyone? - I have noticed that most seem to use filtered water for their plants but my husband said that when he switched to bottled water his plants did better. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Sue.

[DebB]

Deb - just wondered if my "thank you" to you got lost in the crowd of other posts here today and that maybe you didn't see it. Maybe that is what those "subscribed threads" thingys are for? Just want you to know that I did say something to you post #19 - you've been such a help.:)


Hi Sue ~ Your thread is taking off! I think there are a lot of us that are interested in growing our own WG and sprouts :)

You are so welcome, I'm glad I could help out - it's my pleasure.

I've been watching Sprout People's YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/sproutpeople)videos today. I see now that I don't drain my alfalfa & clover sprouts well enough before storing them in the fridge. Always something to learn. They have a video on growing wheatgrass (http://www.youtube.com/user/sproutpeople#p/u/0/gS8Xch0G0jM)too, not in dirt though.

Another thing I just learned was that hulled pumpkin seeds don't tend to sprout (I learned this on Sprout People's website). I soaked mine and tried to sprout them before dehydrating them (like I do my sunflower seeds) and that was a no-go.

We're all going to be experts in no time! *Ü*

[islesgirl]

Wonderful information Deb - thanks for sharing!
Just wish I had a bit more time.

Sue.

[lovenlife]

I set my lentils to sprout and also salad type seeds for sprouts tonight. I am going to look into wheat berries and WG growing.

With winter coming down upon as soon, I want some green growing right in my house. My kale and stuff is going sooo slow. I may need to change the soil for aeration I have been told.

I caught a ladybug in here and put her in with my kale n such to eat the lil aphid type things on the leaves of kale. I hope she is happy in there! Maybe she can hang out for the winter.

I imagine trays of wheatgrass in there under the lights!!! I am inspired!

[islesgirl]

lovenlife - you are just so funny and sweet. That little ladybug knew just what she was doing coming to your home. She must have known how you would provide her with good green food and a warm place to hole up for a bit.:D

So you grow your kale right there inside your home? Neat. I want to do that too.

'til tomorrow then. I'm off to water my wheatgrass a bit with "filtered" water.:) (maybe some day I will get the reverse osmosis kind)

xoxo
Sue

[RawHealthyBeauty]

Hey Sue, I'm glad you got this started. I find it really inspiring! Sounds like you're having fun growing your own wheatgrass! :)

[lovenlife]

two ladybugs are tending my kale....I have lil aphids on them so I hope the lil ladies take care of it!

[islesgirl]

My wheatgrass is 7" tall! It looks just beautiful! So I am planning to try it tomorrow in my omega juicer. This is the next BIG step for me with this stuff. After I see how much it takes to make a shot a day, I will know what I have to do next. And before bed tonight I am going to watch the videos that Deb posted here (which somehow I didn't really notice before - sorry, Deb). I'll need to know if I am going to continue growing it and how much and how often.:) I think I have mold in one spot - it looks like a thin bunch of cottony stuff - I don't think it is those tiny root thingys. Today I will look it all over more carefully. I haven't been giving it much water as it really is moist enough I think.

Sue.

[lovenlife]

Hi Sue, I am not sure which Omega you have. Mine doesnt do greens. Most juicers dont unless they are auger type.
For wheatgrass you would need a juicer that has an auger...top loading and it goes thru a side shoot and juice comes thru the screen at the bottom, pulp comes out the end.

Dont dispair. I would chop the WG into small sections and put it in your blender with water, blend well and then pour it thru a nut milk bag and squeeze the dickens out of it.Maybe use as little water as you can to have it strong (if you want).

The stringy fibers would bind up your blender if you keep them long. I love giving the WG tray a "haircut". hahahaha

It takes quite a bit to make a shot (undiluted in a auger juicer).
With the blender it would be more like diluted juice...still very good for you.

I would even add other things (greens, apple, ginger) to the blender at first until you become accustomed to it. WG has a very strong flavor that I have never even still become accustomed to. It is worth it though for your health!

I love that you are embarking on this and having so much joy!!!

[islesgirl]

lovenlife - Good morning to you!

Thanks for posting this information - what a help you are to us.

My Omega 8003 is supposed to do wheatgrass. It is a single auger and does have a tiny mesh strainer through which the juice will go. I will try tomorrow and be sure to let you know. If it doesn't work then I will use the Vita-mix. It won't go to waste, that's for sure - unless I simply can't stomach it.

I will try mixing it with the other things you suggested too. The book says to try it with carrots and parsley also.:)

Do you grow your own wheatgrass indoors and the kale too?

Have a successful, happy day.:D

[lovenlife]

OH good u have the auger type. It wil work then.

I would definitely mix the juices at first. Lest you get discouraged. It is strong and not tasty (to me).

I dont grow WG but want to. I need to renovate my growing area to accomadate more plants. I will grow some when I can.

I cant wait to hear how you do with it!!!

[rawrawks]

Ladybug on kale!

[DebB]

Whoohoo! It's almost juicing day then - well, what a fun journey, yes? :)

I wanted to juice mine yesterday actually, but I just haven't gotten to it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can get it juiced tomorrow. If not - in the past when this has happened, I've gone ahead and cut the grass and tossed it in the freezer.
That doesn't happen often though.

I'm lovin' your little ladybudy rawrawks! *Ü*

[islesgirl]

Hi Deb. When you freeze your wheatgrass, do you use it later in your vita-mix or in your juicer? I am nervous about tomorrow. Silly me.

Sue.

[DebB]

Hi Deb. When you freeze your wheatgrass, do you use it later in your vita-mix or in your juicer? I am nervous about tomorrow. Silly me.

Sue.

Hi Sue ~ I blend it later in my BlendTec. I have a Champion juicer, but it doesn't juice WG - that's why I blend it with water a a couple ice cubes to keep it from heating up during the blending.

I've only frozen my WG crop 2-3 times. The last time we were ready to leave on vacation and I simply ran out of time to juice (well, blend - ha) it before we left.

I cut, washed and tossed it all into gallon ziplocs and tossed it in the freezer. I didn't know how it would work, but it was the best I could do. Actually I figured it would be okay as I portion out my blended WG juice and freeze it as well.

I was antsy the first time too, but what can we do? We just jump in feet first and give it a try!

As far as the blasted mold - I simply cut the wheat grass above the mold and then I blast it good with my kitchen sprayer. That's what I've ready in many places to do. Works for me. I haven't grown a mold free tray full yet, I don't let it stop me though.

I get so long winded. Did I answer your question? *Ü*

[islesgirl]

Yes sweetie, you answered my question just fine. Don't think you're long-winded at all. I know I sure am though!:eek:

Have to go to buy carrots, apples and parsley before I get started on this today. It's over 8 inches tall!

Sue.

[islesgirl]

The wheatgrass "carpet" went into the garbage. Not because I didn't use it or like it. And not before I cut it off, and washed it to freeze for later use. My reasons are in my blog tonight. At the moment I am listening to some exquisitely beautiful music - so appropriate in view of the way this day ended up. Eric Levi - "Sombre Day The Mass"

I want to be sure to thank all of you here who offered me much advice and encouragement. Your enthusiasm was so catching. I am not giving up.

xoxo
Sue.

[rawrawks]

I hurt for you. Dont give up. Plant some more. No one can take away your spirit sweet. Stand for yourself. I am here for you. Love you..lots.

[DebB]

Hi Sue ~ I read your blog. Big HUGS to you! But hey ~ if the wheatgrass mold bothers him - there are other things you might like to try :)

How about sprouts and sunflower seeds? I'm sprouting broccoli right now to add to my green smoothies. I'm also getting ready to plant my 2nd tray of sunflower seeds.

I'd like to learn more about growing buckwheat and pea greens.

So much to learn - it's exciting! I also toss my WG carpet soil when I'm done. I was trying to compost them at first -- but mine are like carpet cement!! I can't even rip them apart into smaller pieces for the compost pile. They're too big and unwieldy to leave full size. So now they get tossed.

Whatcha think...? *Ü*

[rawrawks]

Good idea for sure...look at my new babies this morning!! Quick and easy and no mold for sure!

[islesgirl]

I owe my enthusiasm tonight to my wheatgrass. I am convinced that it affected me immediately and I'll tell you why. I was awake until 3 a.m. Then I really wanted to shut off my mind and so took 2 Tyl 1's. Usually they constipate me a bit and I wake up a bit more groggy. I had energy that lasted me all day! And I wasn't constipated and I hadn't taken a laxative! :D
Pretty fantastic, if you ask me! My mood is back up too. Now that is quite something after yesterday. I attribute it to raw but especially yesterday's big dose of wheatgrass.

Deb- I so appreciate the hugs and your boost re keeping on trying. You can be sure I will - it was so much fun to grow the wheatgrass. I want to continue to do so. I just have to figure out another way - can't have the mold. I was thinking of using a shallower tray or of poking holes in the one I used. I have to think it out and watch the videos again. As for the sprouts, yours sound just great and I am definitely going to do the same ones. I love the idea of sprouts for breakfast, smoothies and in salad and wraps! Broccoli ones must be so pretty. Are they green? I am sure they are. So I am still around. Just have to take a couple of days to "catch my breath" and get my "thinking cap" back on. And you can be sure I will have my "shot" of wheatgrass tomorrow (even though it is frozen) I figure if I can do frozen bananas in my Omega, then I should be able to do frozen wheatgrass. Going to try anyway. And I have the vita-mix to fall back on. Now who is long-winded, Deb?!:o

rawrawks - what healthy looking little babies you have! Aren't we blessed to know about doing all this stuff? Thanks for sharing.

xoxo
Sue.

[RawTruth]

I have a question for you. You said that a tray of WG will last you a week. So, can you tell me how you go about harvesting it? Do you just cut enough to juice that day? (Which I know would be the very best way to go). When you buy the tray of WG, isn't it all mature and ready to juice - if so, then how do you get it to "last" a week longer? I hope I'm making my question clear...

I would love to juice my WG daily, I just couldn't seem to figure out the logistics of getting it to last unless I grew small trays that I would juice each tray daily, then the following day - the next tray would be ready...

Right now, I've been growing in large 11x22" (approx. size) trays, 3 at a time and then I'll go ahead and juice it all, portion it out and freeze.

I too have a Champion and cannot juice WG with it, so I blend it in my Blendtec with added water.

I'm learning, learning ~ mostly trying to combat this darn mold problem. I've even looked at Steve Myerowitz (sp), AKA The Sproutman's soilless method. I've also received an email from Viktorus Kulvinskas (again - sp) about his soilless method, but haven't tried it.

So much to learn, but it's fun! Thanks again for your post and links ~ I'm off to check it out. *Ü*
Yay!!! I get to punch holes in some commonly-held misperceptions ... a favorite thing to do (cuz it teaches!)):

Harvesting

You do NOT harvest as you go. When the entire tray is ready, you cut it ALL at once, bag it and put it in the fridge. It must be cut at its peak of perfection or you will get the gross stuff they make at Jamba Juice and most juice bars that keep the tray out -- at room temperature, no less!!!! -- and cut it off by the shot. Repeat: When it is at absolutely ripe (!), you cut it all, then refrigerate. I use those "Lock-Lock" containers that are totally airtight. Yeah, they're plastic, but we do our best. While you're using this, of course, your next tray is growing, and the next after that, etc.

It lasts a week for me -- a do a 2 oz. shot in the a.m. and a 2 oz. shot later in the day. By the way, anything more than 4 oz. a day is not helping you. That's the maximum of benefit, so don't think that by drinking 8 oz., you'll get healthier more quickly.

Juicing/Blending/Freezing

Again, I know everyone does the best they can. However, with the Healthy Juicer hand WG juicer available for like $45 (and you might get it cheaper if you shop around the internet), ANYONE can have real authentic wheatgrass. Blending it isn't the same because the blade has to be completely crushed. WG isn't like greens. Buy the Healthy Juicer hand WG juicer. Like I mentioned, that's what I've used exclusive. Go here, for heaven's sake: http://www.hippocratesgreenhouse.com/ (No, I'm not a rep, don't get commission, Michael probably wouldn't even remember me -- it's just that there's no reason to wait for an expensive juicer nor to mess around with blending, for heaven's sake.)

Freezing isn't optimal. That's the nice way of saying it. Unvarnished truth: freezing kills the nutrients, freezing isn't good, don't freeze. Have you seen a frozen lawn come back to life? No. It doesn't. Someone mentioned to me the other day that it must be okay because E3Live is frozen. Hopefully, everyone here understand the difference between grass and algae that is grown and naturally frozen in a lake. Grass = no freezing.

Mold

Take a picture, send it to Michael at and he will diagnose it. Seriously. Do it. Don't fiddle around. Don't look at pictures in books. He's there willing to do it for you! Go here: http://www.hippocratesgreenhouse.com/


p.s. If the WG is fresh and harvested at the right time, it will taste sweet. Yes, strong, but still sweet.

[islesgirl]

Thanks for sharing RawTruth.
I'll keep referring to your post here as I carry on trying to grow it again. I will figure all this out. But I am not going to waste what I froze yesterday. I will try it tomorrow morning. Next time I will put it in the fridge though and simply use it up. Timing is everything here, it sounds like.

Hope you are getting better - I am pretty sure you have been very ill? Let me know?

xoxo
Sue.

[RawTruth]

yeeeeeee haaaaaaaaa RAWTRUTHS here :)

we miss you , and were not learning
without you teaching so were pouting :p


good timing because with the cold season hitting my
gardens just about done so i better start wheat juicing
and sprouting

wondering have you done anything on youtube ,
or do you aspire to do anything audio / video ?
or want to just stick to written word as your
so awesome at that ?

as your manager :D heres my game plan = you and ani phyo
as my dream team , tv/radio/books . she brings the charm .
you bring the brains / knowledge / wit . though ive never
seen you do video so we might not need ani as you could very
well pack the charm / charisma on video , then its a 50 50 split
instead of 33 / 33 / 33 :D

Too funny, MR, as usual. Thanks for the laughs. Actually, Ani's a friend and, while we've discussed another co-endeavor, I'm quite sure video's her sole thing!! Don't take off that thinking cap, though; I know with your brains and my ... hmmm ... well .... okay, whatever -- we'll come up with the right format!

[DebB]

Hi rawrocks ~ What a beatufiul plate of sprouts you've got there! Yes, thank you for sharing. It's so pretty and delcious looking :)

Hi Sue ~ I'm glad to hear you're going forward with the sprouts and grass. I agree - it is fun, I sure enjoy it.

When we revamp our kitchen in the next few years, I'm requesting an expanse of counter space for all the growing needs, I can see it in my mind.

Thank you RawTruth for answering all my questions about how you juice WG! I appreciate you taking the time to explain it here. I understand now.

I didn't realize about cutting the whole tray and storing it in the fridge, that makes so much sense. In all the videos, etc. I've watched, I never ran across that information and I'm so grateful you shared.

Time for me to look into one of the manual juicers too. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm still poking around the site you listed too. *Ü*

[RawTruth]

Hope you are getting better - I am pretty sure you have been very ill? Let me know?

xoxo
Sue.

Thanks for your thoughts, Sue. There are challenges every day -- for each of us, I'm sure -- that I can meet with a frown or with a smile. I choose the smile, so I am getting better. Even on the days that don't feel so great, I've still got great stuff happening like: someone else makes my morning wheatgrass and juice and cleans the Green Power juicer afterward. Woohoo! I just watched the entire 1st season of 30 Rock - this from someone (me) who doesn't really watch TV. But, hey, I'm into whatever makes me laugh. Another friend gave me a gift of 3 months of Netflix, so the comedies are filling up my mailbox! Very ill? I suppose. Healing? Yes, for sure. It's just gonna take time, patience, and, the greatest lesson to me, surrendering to not being in control!

Anyway, the sun is shining (well, not actually right at this moment ... more like the moon!), there is plenty of love everywhere, and life is great moment by moment. That's how I am.

(Way more than you asked for, huh!!! Guess I'm overexcited by being able to be online for longer nowadays. Another blessing! Someone gifted me with a netbook. Amazing how gratitude works.)

[lovenlife]

Rawtruth, I love your attitude, it will go a long way toward healing.
I have seen that the best way to keep WG too is in fridge, cut and it bags. Frozen grass ugh.


Sue, as I mentioned to you in email, I would grow the WG in a warm dry place. The bathroom is wet and damp and mold grows there. I would put it somewhere warm and dry and with a heat lamp or bulb.

If it gets moldy, I would get some vitamin C crystals(powder) and put them in a spray bottle with warm water and mist them with it. Vita C knocks down mold in a safe way. Being careful not to overwater with the sprayer. Maybe do that in place of water one or two times as needed.

Yes werent my babies cute? They are so life giving too. The best living food one can grow in their own kitchen. Inexpensive, easy and wonderful.

[Tirza]

Jumping in here - You guys have inspired me to try again. I was griping about space and mold, but it seems others have the same challenges and aren't letting it stop them.

Re: The hand cranked wheatgrass juicer - I got one of them first off, and thought it was a bit of a drag. Couldn't wait to get one that runs on electricity. Amazing discovery: The electric one doesn't run any faster than the hand cranked. Besides - the hand cranked one is SO portable! So WHY bother spending that money unless you have other reasons for wanting it.

Re: Broccoli Sprouts - That is one of my "must-have" sprouts for healing. But I have a hard time getting many of the seeds to sprout. I thought my seed was fresh. Is there an issue with broccoli?

Michigan Roman: I was intrigued with your little list. The term Self Sufficiency is a real attention-getter for me. All that in an Earthship. Yay! Do you mean to say that this is what you are aiming for as your total diet? Please explain. Very interesting. I can see myself losing some serious weight that way. I'd LOVE to SEE myself with some serious weight lost!

[michigan roman]

Jumping in here - You guys have inspired me to try again. I was griping about space and mold, but it seems others have the same challenges and aren't letting it stop them.

Re: The hand cranked wheatgrass juicer - I got one of them first off, and thought it was a bit of a drag. Couldn't wait to get one that runs on electricity. Amazing discovery: The electric one doesn't run any faster than the hand cranked. Besides - the hand cranked one is SO portable! So WHY bother spending that money unless you have other reasons for wanting it.

Re: Broccoli Sprouts - That is one of my "must-have" sprouts for healing. But I have a hard time getting many of the seeds to sprout. I thought my seed was fresh. Is there an issue with broccoli?

Michigan Roman: I was intrigued with your little list. The term Self Sufficiency is a real attention-getter for me. All that in an Earthship. Yay! Do you mean to say that this is what you are aiming for as your total diet? Please explain. Very interesting. I can see myself losing some serious weight that way. I'd LOVE to SEE myself with some serious weight lost!

SEEDS

GREENS

SPROUTS

one can grow their own seeds in summer to have in winter

greens can be grown for much of the year by incorporating cold frames / attatched mini green house . if attatch to home as an addition a green house altready then has a heating element . even if its just an attatched large cold frame that can have some heat fed into off homes furnace

sprouts can grow your own seeds or buy cheap then have all winter / year

when gardens in have vegis , or buy

fruit and nuts are more so for most people something you buy to the extent you can afford or like

but the seeds / greens / sprouts foundation is self doable / cheap / very nutricious , so i put it out there for people like you thinking self suffuiciency in a healthy manner . myself ide love to get out to open country and live off the land . i could grow these foundation items anywhere . then if not buying citrus for vita c dry things like green peppers for a source

to this end i experiment with different greens every year in my garden ,
this year from www.willhiteseeds.com i bought RED RUSSIAN KALE , and its turned out to be a winner for me . very good when young to middle stages as a salad green . very fast grower too . then when gets large if someone isnt eating it steamed i sun dry it for a super green food powder in winter

i better stop as i could go on for hours about my self sufficiency diet / plan :cool:

[Tirza]

Fascinating. Maybe a whole thread dedicated to that subject? ...or maybe not. Maybe a whole other site dedicated to that subject.

[DebB]

Hi Tirza ~ You asked about broccoli sprouts. I sprouted some and just used them today. They take longer to sprout than say, alfalfa. I added them to my green smoothie this morning, those little buggers bit back - but I enjoyed them in there.

I soaked them overnight and then rinse (and drain well!) twice a day. I sprouted them in a mason jar.

I scored a nice two tier wooden drain tray which holds 6 quart mason jars at the thrift store yesterday for $1! whoo hoo ~ I love our thrift store! *Ü*

[Tirza]

Thanks DebB
I especially want broccoli sprouts since they are SO high in cancer-preventing/maybe curing properties. I like broccoli itself, but the sprouts are reputed to have 50x the nutrient properties. Love that.
Great find at the Thrift Store. I'll keep trying.
Yes, they bite a bit :)

[DebB]

Wow - I knew they were power houses, but I didn't know to what extent.

I tried them in the past, but did not care for them. So when I watched "Green Smoothie Girl" 's latest YT video, she added some broccoli sprouts and pea greens - I thought, "I'll give that a try" and disguise there (to me) strong flavor.

Probably after the holiday hub-bub, I want to start growing micro greens and more sprouts. I want to get a good "Energy Soup" recipe that I really like and try to have it once a day. Loaded with greens, sprouts and veggies - and some fat like avocado.

That's my plan anyway... (wink) *Ü*

[betty boop]

I went through a ton of pea greens last spring and summer. The farmers market sold them for $3. a bunch. I'm going to try growing them just as soon as I can find seeds.

My wheatgrass has mold growing in the dirt, it's the first time that's ever happened to me, will it still be okay? I brushed the mold away and took the lid off the top.

[michigan roman]

I went through a ton of pea greens last spring and summer. The farmers market sold them for $3. a bunch. I'm going to try growing them just as soon as I can find seeds.

My wheatgrass has mold growing in the dirt, it's the first time that's ever happened to me, will it still be okay? I brushed the mold away and took the lid off the top.

did i read somewhere that adding a vitamin c tablet to your wheatgrass water helps prevent mold

[betty boop]

I saw that but I don't take vit C supplements, I assume I get enough eating raw, I was just wondering if it's still safe to juice.

[DebB]

Hi betty boop ~ I haven't had a tray of WG yet that did not have mold in it. I've read in many different places that as long as you spray off the cut WG well (blast it with the kitchen sprayer), that it's fine - so that's what I do.

I cut my WG above the mold, spray it down and proceed.

I've got 2 large trays growing right now and this time I'm only going to water from below and see what happens. I lift up the "mat" of WG and pour the water in. I know I have a tendency to overwater...

Interesting MI Roman about adding the Vitamin C. What would be your recommendation on how much to add? I could open a Vit. C capsule and add it to the water - do you think that would work? *Ü*

[betty boop]

thanks Deb!

[DebB]

You're sure welcome betty boop! I had to go back and edit my answer to you as I typoed - I meant to say, "I never grew a tray that *didn't* have mold" - I omitted the "didn't" the first time around! But, I think you knew what I mean - ha! *Ü*

[betty boop]

Actually I didn't, LOL!

This was the first tray I've ever grown that had mold, I was really surprised. I just changed my trays to ones with a tight fitting lid so it must have had way too much moisture. Next time I won't seal it. It's very dry and cold where I am so mold isn't usually an issue here. thanks again

[DebB]

Here's to mold free wheatgrass!!!

I live in the desert ~ sheesh, you'd think mine would be moldless - ha! But I already fessed up to overwatering. . . I'm going to be much more frugal with the H2O this time and see. *Ü*

[betty boop]

I rinsed that moldy wheatgrass then juiced it but it made me sick to my stomach for about 5-6 hours, I didn't throw up or feel nauseated though but very very close.
So today I juiced another trayful and I am feeling sick to my stomach again and it's been almost 5 hours since I drank an ounce of it. And this trayful wasn't moldy either so I can't blame it on that.

I'm seriously wondering if my body is telling me it doesn't want wheatgass anymore? Has something like this ever happened to anyone else?

[islesgirl]

If someone could tell me how, I'd post them here, but for now, I've uploaded them to "My Album" in "Pictures & Albums" under "Community" above.:D

Notice how fast it grew too!:eek:

So glad to have these photos as they are incentive to try again. I have another place to grow it now too - in my kitchen.:)

Sue.

[michigan roman]

when click to post page youll see down below ' manage attatchments ' ,
click that . then youll see ' browse ' , cllick it

itll take you to your computers downloaded pictures / my pictures ,
choose the pic then back at this site click upload . thatll attatch pic to your post

[DebB]

I'm trying something different this round. I've planted my wheatgrass in straight perlite. I wanted to try vermiculite, but I couldn't find it.

So I decided to try an experiment with the perlite. It's on day 5 and so far no mold and the grass is coming in good - has a good root system.

I still want to try with vermiculite - I read about using ver. on SproutPeople. *Ü*

[islesgirl]

michigan roman - that's a big help. Thank you muchly! I will try it.

[islesgirl]

DebB 0 oooh I am so happy for you. Mold has always been such a problem for you. I sure hope it continues to work.:)

Yay! I think I've done it michigan roman! I think this grew over 8" in the space of about 7 days from the time we put it under the light.

xoxo
Sue.