Non-GMO oat seeds | 36oz bag

Prepare the Soil

• Soil Requirements:
  • Oats thrive in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Avoid heavy clay or sandy soils.
• Fertility:
  • Add organic matter (compost or manure) to enrich the soil.
  • Perform a soil test to ensure adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels.
• Tillage:
  • Till the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches to loosen it and remove weeds.

Planting

• Timing:
  • Spring oats: Plant as soon as the soil is workable (soil temperature above 50°F/10°C).
  • Winter oats: Plant 6–10 weeks before the first expected frost.
• Seeding Rate:
  • Use about 2–3 bushels of seed per acre, or approximately 2 ounces of seed per 10 square feet for small plots.
• Depth:
  • Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep.
• Spacing:
  • Space seeds evenly to avoid overcrowding; rows can be 6–10 inches apart.

Watering

• Oats require consistent moisture, especially during germination and early growth.
• Provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
• Avoid waterlogging, as oats do not tolerate soggy soil.

Caring for the Crop

• Weed Control:
  • Oats grow quickly and suppress weeds naturally, but hand-pull or hoe if weeds appear early.
• Fertilization:
  • Oats are light feeders; a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) can be applied if needed.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can lead to weak stems and lodging (falling over).
• Pests and Diseases:
  • Monitor for pests like aphids or armyworms.
  • Prevent fungal diseases (e.g., rust) by ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overwatering.

Harvesting

• Timing:
  • Oats are ready to harvest when the kernels are firm and the plants turn golden brown.
  • This is typically 90–120 days after planting.
• Harvesting Methods:
  • For small plots: Use a sickle, scythe, or hand shears to cut the stalks.
  • For large fields: Use a combine harvester.
• Drying:
  • Allow cut oats to dry for 1–2 weeks in a cool, dry place to prevent mold.

Processing

• Threshing:
  • Remove the oats from the stalks by beating the bundles or using a mechanical thresher.
• Winnowing:
  • Separate the oats from the chaff by tossing them in the air or using a fan to blow away the lighter chaff.
• Hulling (Optional):
  • If growing hulled oats, the outer husk will need to be removed, which may require a mechanical huller or rolling pin.

Storing

• Store the cleaned, dried oats in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
• Properly stored oats can last up to a year or longer.