Barley Growing Guide
Barley 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
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Plant Family
Poaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
45 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
60 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Barley?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Barley Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Barley's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
2 cm
Seeding Depth
5 cm
Plant Spacing
15 cm
Row Spacing
16
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
No.
Method: None
Succession Planting
Yes.
Good Companions
Bad Companions
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 4–10 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant barley in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- 2Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter, and water it moderately, 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 fungal diseases.
- 4For pest control, regularly check for aphids and use insecticidal soap if needed.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~100
Days to Maturity
90 cm
Mature Height
3 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 fully dry
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest barley when the grains are hard and the stalks have turned golden brown.
- 2Cut the stalks close to the ground using a sickle or sharp shears.
- 3To avoid damaging the plant, handle the stalks gently and avoid pulling them out by the roots.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your barley plant is simple and rewarding! Once the barley heads turn golden and the stalks are dry, gently cut the heads and place them in a paper bag to finish drying for about a week. Rub the heads between your hands to release the seeds, then separate out any chaff. Store your clean, dry barley seeds in a labeled envelope or airtight jar in a cool, dry place—like a pantry or cupboard. You’ve just taken the first step toward a sustainable garden, and with each season, your confidence and harvest will grow!
Seed Production
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