Millet

Growing

Because of its incredibly short life cycle, proso millet is a highly efficient warm-season crop that can be used to bridge gaps in your garden rotation. It is a low-demand plant that thrives without heavy fertilization or excessive watering, making it an excellent choice for organic systems or as an intercrop between more demanding summer vegetables. When sowing, focus your weeding efforts on the juvenile stage; once the plant reaches its three-to-five-leaf stage, grain formation begins, and competition from weeds becomes much harder to manage.

Since the seeds shatter easily, avoid heavy-handed harvesting methods. Instead, cut the stalks and gather them into windrows to allow the grain to dry and cure properly. You will know the crop is ready when the grains are mature, but you must harvest it promptly as it does not ripen further once picked. To maintain the quality of your harvest, keep the grain unwashed. For long-term use, you can store the dried seeds in a cool, dark cellar or at room temperature.