Wheatgrass mold?

[Shivananda]

Sorry - that's just not true Shivananda. When I grow with sea water the wheatgrass is completely different and MUCH better, as well as no mould.

Great, I'm happy for you. As I've said so many times, YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.

But based on my experience I would bet my hat, shoes, and overcoat that if we would juice the green part of 5 - 6" wheatgrass grown with saltwater versus the same thing grown without, and immediately analyse them, the only difference would be a higher water content for the saltwater crop. I think that is what you are likely seeing. At least if you are harvesting YOUNG wheatgrass.

Remember, the whole point of this exercise is to harvest and juice and drink the GREEN SPROUT of a wheatberry, not the mature grass it will eventually become. Every bit of what it needs to grow, except the water, and air and light... and maybe a tiny bit of nitrogen from the growing medium if it is available... are already contained in the seed before you begin. We don't want to let it go all the way to full grown grass, because then the early sprouting enzyme store is already depleted. We just want it big enough that the chorophyl content is high.

If you are happy, keep doing what works for you, with my blessings. No worries. But after 6 years doing this, I'll say I've wasted so much time and money in the past chasing wild geese that I like to help others avoid the dead ends that haven't worked for me over time.

[Lady Green Jeans]

Great thread with lots of helpful info. I also read where ensuring adequate fresh air around your wheatgrass crop will help or eliminate the mold. If possible, put in the fresh air for awhile each day. Hope that helps.

[Shivananda]

Mold grows most actively on wheatgrass when it is dark, damp, warm, and the air is still. Adding a small fan to *lightly* waft air over your wheatgrass helps in 2 ways, not only by keeping the air stirring in the microclimate down at the root zone, but also by cooling off by evaporation the natural heat generated by sprouting grains. The down side is that you have to water a little more frequently and monitor everything a little more carefully because the moving air dries everything outt, not just the mold.

But if you do happen to get mold in spite of everything, don't panic. Just grab a bunch of wheatgrass as you cut it, and slosh the root ends briefly in a bowl of warm water, then juice. That will rinse off any residue.

[Shivananda]

No regrets, but I shoulda waited, and I know really well who I shoulda waited for...

Charley's Greenhouse Supply in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Out where the tulips are grown. I used to go there when I lived in Seattle, and they're just the best. I got their new catalog yesterday. The same Juliana growing stand I just ordered for $59 with free shipping, is being sold by Charleys for $39, plus $9 shipping, an $11 savings.

www.charleysgreenhouse.com They also have a good email newsletter for gardeners.

[Sheryl]

I have the same 4 tier grow tray!! They are great. I use them for growing wheatgrass. I picked them up at the standard price of $19.95 Australian at our local Bunnings (giant hardware/garden supercenter). They offer free shipping on the one sold at that link, which is likely why the price is higher - shipping something that large would be expensive. You might be able to get them cheaper at a local super hardware store though.

How is everyone going with growing wheatgrass??? Any improvements?

Cheers,
Sheryl

[Shivananda]

OK, I got the Juliana rack. I will say, it is a snap to put together. Took maybe 5 minutes, no tools required. Kind of flimsy, but the right size, sufficient to the purpose and way easier than making one myself. But at $59 I feel it was overpriced by half.

I like that it came with a clear cover and a zipper door, although I am using mine indoors. I will replace the side panels with screen when I get some time and also box off the bottom to keep out vinegar flies. Sometimes in summer they are attracted to the acidic water I use for wheatgrass.

I also took my own advice and ordered Citricide (concentrated grapefruit seed extract) from Pam Free at www.growwheatgrass.com (I've been out of GSE since before I moved from NYC) and she included a bottle of her own liquid kelp that I have been using along with the Citricide, and the first batch of wheatgrass grown with the combination is the best crop I think I've ever gotten. I started the first soak with the solution and have used it for all waterings since, and I'm amazed that the result is so good. Very green and lush and no mold at all. Think I'll go juice some now. :)