How to Grow Oats: A Friendly Guide

Have you ever thought about how to grow oats? Whether you’re a gardening newbie or someone who loves experimenting with new crops, oats can be a surprisingly rewarding choice. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before—I’ll walk you through everything step by step. It’s easier than you might think, and the satisfaction of seeing those golden stalks in your garden? Totally worth it.

Why Grow Your Own Oats?

So, why should you bother growing oats? Well, for starters, they’re incredibly versatile. You can make oatmeal, bake oat cookies, or even use them as feed if you keep animals. Plus, oats are fantastic for your soil. They work as a cover crop, improving soil health and reducing erosion.

But beyond all the practical reasons, it’s just plain cool to grow your own food. Imagine waking up to a bowl of oatmeal made from oats you grew yourself. Pretty neat, right?

How to Grow Oats: Picking the Right Oats

Not all oats are the same. Depending on your needs and where you live, you’ll want to choose the right type:

  1. Hulled oats: Perfect if you want to make oatmeal. These take a little extra work to process but are worth it.
Hulled oats

2. Hulless oats: Easier to process and great for home use.

Hulless oats

3. Forage oats: Ideal if you’re growing them as animal feed.

Forage oats

    Take a little time to figure out what suits you best. A quick chat with someone at your local seed store can go a long way.

    How to Grow Oats: When Should You Plant Oats?

    Timing matters. Oats love cool weather, so you’ll want to plant them in early spring or late summer. The goal is to avoid the hottest parts of the year since oats don’t thrive in the heat.

    If you’re in a place with mild winters, you might even try planting them in the fall for a winter crop. Just make sure the soil temperature is around 50°F to 75°F when you’re planting.

    How to Grow Oats: Getting Your Soil Ready

    Good soil makes happy oats. The good news? Oats aren’t too fussy. They like well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If you’re not sure about your soil’s condition, grab a test kit—they’re pretty cheap and easy to use.

    To prepare your soil:

    1. Clear out any weeds or debris.
    2. Loosen up the top layer of soil using a hoe or tiller.
    3. Add some compost or well-rotted manure to give the soil a nutrient boost.

    Once the soil is ready, you’re good to go!

    How to Grow Oats: Planting the Seeds

    How to Grow Oats

    Planting oats is as simple as scattering seeds. Grab your oat seeds and spread them evenly over the soil. If you’re a numbers person, aim for about 3 ounces of seed per 100 square feet.

    After scattering, lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with about 1 to 2 inches of soil. Then give the area a gentle watering to help the seeds settle in.

    How to Grow Oats: Caring for Your Oats

    The best part about oats? They’re pretty low-maintenance. Here’s what to keep in mind:

    • Watering: Oats like moist soil, especially when they’re sprouting and growing. Just don’t overdo it—soggy soil isn’t their thing.
    • Weed control: Oats grow fast and usually outcompete weeds, but keep an eye out and pull any big ones that pop up.
    • Fertilizing: If your soil was prepped well, you might not need extra fertilizer. If your plants look pale or weak, though, a little nitrogen-rich fertilizer can help.

    How to Grow Oats: Keeping Pests and Problems at Bay

    Oats are pretty hardy, but a few issues can crop up. Here’s what to watch for:

    • Aphids: These tiny bugs can sometimes show up. A quick spray of insecticidal soap usually takes care of them.
    • Fungal diseases: These are rare but can happen if it’s too wet. Make sure your oats have good airflow by planting them with enough space between rows.

    Harvest Time

    When the stalks turn golden and the seeds feel hard, it’s time to harvest. This usually happens about 90 to 120 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

    To harvest, use a sharp tool like a sickle or garden shears to cut the stalks close to the ground. Gather the stalks into bundles and let them dry in a cool, dry spot for about a week.

    Processing Your Oats

    Once the oats are dry, you’ll need to separate the grains from the chaff. Here’s how:

    1. Threshing: Lay the stalks on a tarp and beat them with a stick to loosen the grains.

    2. Winnowing: Use a fan or gentle breeze to blow away the lighter chaff, leaving the heavier grains behind.

    Winnowing

      For hulled oats, you’ll also need to remove the tough outer hulls. It’s a bit of work, but with some patience, you’ll get the hang of it.

      Putting Your Oats to Use

      Now that you’ve got your oats, it’s time to enjoy them! Here are a few ideas:

      • Make a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal.
      • Bake some homemade oat cookies or granola bars.
      • Grind them into oat flour for baking.

      Wrapping It Up

      Growing oats might sound like a big project, but once you break it down, it’s really not that complicated. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy the satisfaction of homegrown oats—and trust me, they taste better than anything you’ll find in a store.

      So, what are you waiting for? Grab some seeds, get outside, and start growing. You’ll be surprised at what you can do.

      References

      • University of Wisconsin Extension. (n.d.). Growing Oats 101.
      • Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE). (2022). Cover Crop Basics: Oats.
      • The Modern Homestead. (n.d.). Small-Scale Grain Production.
      • Agricultural Research Service. (2021). Oats for Food and Feed.

      Categorized in:

      Agronomy,

      Last Update: January 25, 2025