Oat Straw

[IdahoHerbalist]

WOW, I had some oat seed from a previous job so I decided to plant it this year. WOW.

We decided to harvest it this week. Unfortunately there was also some wheat seed mixed in. Fortunately there was not too much wheat so it did not extend the harvesting too long. Heh, had to separate the wheat from the oats. :face palm 2:

So, how do you know WHEN to harvest? The seed needs to be in the milk stage. This is where the seed is not formed yet and is still milky when pinched or bitten down on. I checked a couple of weeks after the seed heads showed up then every few days until I started getting milky seed. I then waited a few more days to give more the them immature seeds a chance to catch up.

Anyway, we wound up with SEVEN paper grocery bags of oats to dry. :yahoo:

We also cut it 2 to 3 inches above the soil line so maybe we will get a second harvest in a couple of months as well!

This picture was taken about three weeks ago.

Attached files

[IdahoHerbalist]

Recently did my second harvest on this. Got 5 more bags of product. It is drying in paper bags right now. I will try to remember to report the total yield/weight when it is done drying.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Very cool Steven.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[AnnettStudent]

Steven,

What time of the year did you plant the seeds? Seems you got an early harvest, in June. Is that typical for Idaho?

Thanks.

[Author]

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