Spelt

Growing

As a hardy cool-season grain, spelt is exceptionally resilient to cold and can even survive a hard freeze. When preparing your garden, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. While it can tolerate heavier, damp soils better than many other wheat varieties, ensure your planting site or container provides excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging. Because it is wind-pollinated, you do not need to worry about insect pollinators; simply ensure the plants have enough space to allow air to move through the upright stems.

You will know it is time to harvest once the grains have matured on the spike. Unlike some crops, spelt does not continue to ripen once it has been picked, so timing your harvest is essential for the best quality. For long-term use, keep the grains unwashed to preserve their integrity. You can store your harvest in a cool, dark cellar or at room temperature, provided the environment remains dry. If you prefer to use the grain while it is still immature, you can harvest and dry the unripe grains to create a "green grain" style of porridge or meal.