Barley is one of the cereal grains known for its many health benefits, and it is also considered a fast-growing crop. If you would like to learn more about the barley planting season, including the ideal planting time, suitable growing conditions, and other important information, continue reading this article.
When Can Barley Be Planted?
Barley can be planted at any time during the growing season, which extends from early March until the end of August. Barley does not grow well in winter or in cold climates.
It is worth noting that some barley varieties are best planted in spring, while others are preferably planted in autumn. Spring-planted barley typically takes 60 to 70 days to mature, whereas autumn-planted barley matures about 60 days after spring growth begins.
What Is the Best Location for Growing Barley?
Below are the environmental conditions required for barley to grow successfully:
- Soil: Barley prefers fertile, well-drained soil and grows best in clay or light clay soils. However, barley is a highly adaptable crop and can also be grown in dry or poor soils, though yields will be lower compared to rich, moist soils.
- Soil pH: Barley grows best in soil with a pH ranging from 5 to 7.
- Sunlight: It is recommended to plant barley in a location that receives full direct sunlight.
How to Plant Barley
Barley can be planted in home gardens by broadcasting seeds or sowing them directly into the soil. However, broadcast seeds are often eaten by birds and animals or may fail to germinate due to poor soil contact.
For best results, barley should be planted in rows at a depth of approximately 3 to 5 cm, with 20 to 25 seeds per 30 cm.
Note: Choose high-quality seeds that are resistant to most common barley diseases.
It should be noted that the period between sowing and harvesting barley takes at least 90 days. Therefore, planting barley early increases the chances of proper seed maturity before exposure to cold winter waves.
Barley height depends on several factors, including:
- Soil type
- The amount of nutrients absorbed during the growth stage
- Weather conditions
Tips for Caring for Barley Plants
Here are some important care tips:
- Keep the planting area weed-free and maintain moderate soil moisture.
- Barley can be irrigated using various irrigation systems, but sprinkler irrigation may increase the risk of fungal diseases.
- Barley can tolerate moderate drought, but irrigation amounts should be carefully managed to avoid stress or reduced yield.
