Simple tips on how to grow Spelt from seed to harvest

On this article you are going to learn how to grow spelt. Without been told planting and growing spelt is really easier in temperate climates. Spelt plant is more winter hardy than conventional wheat varieties,  and Spelt also tolerates poor conditions very well.
Some of the other names of Spelt are Dinkel wheat, Triticum Spelta, Hulled wheat, Spelt, Spelt wheat, Espelta, Blé des Gaulois, Spelta, Dinkel Spelt, Spelz, Epeautre.
This particular plant called Spelt actually belongs to the grass family. This particular plant is a resistant to diseases. Spelt is widely grown, and also of great interest in organic farming.
Spelt really adapts well to cold climates and it thrives in various soil types like sandy, wet, poor and non-draining soils. Spelt is less demanding in the area of nutrients and is more competitive against weeds than wheat, this make it an interesting cereal crop for mountain areas.

Ways to grow Spelt

The sowing of the seed: Spelt seeds are sown in rows, make sure the optimum distance between rows is about 18 – 20 cm apart. Make sure the seeds are buried 3 cm deep and also spaced about 5 to 8 cm. If you actually want to avoid competition with weeds, try not to plant too early in the season.
The spelt seed sowing density: Without been told one of the best time for sowing spelt seed is identical to that of wheat. Spelt seeding density that is recommended is about 200-300 seeds per sqm, also corresponding to 150-180 kg of seed per hectare.
The two varieties of Spelt: The two varieties of spelt are Winter and Spring.

Some of the requirements for Growing Spelt

One thing about Spelt is that they grows similar to wheat but they are more winter hardy. To ensure productivity and healthy growth make sure you grow the Spelt in full sun.

The Soil requirement

To ensure an optimum growth, the spelt plant must be grown in soil that is good, eg. Humus, rich in nutrients, soil that has a pH that is close to neutral. Make sure you prepare the soil similar to that of wheat. One good thing about spelt is that they can be also grown in soil types that are low in nutrients, poorly drained or sandy.

The watering of the Spelt plant

Make sure you keep the soil moist after planting until the germination of seeds. Immediately the plant start to grow it doesn’t require too much watering. Make sure you water only in hot and dry days. Water regularly, if you actually live in a warmer zone.

The Weed control in Spelt plant

Make sure you weed the soil before planting and also remove competitive weeds time to time.

The fertilization of Spelt plant

Don’t forget that the fertilizer requirements are similar to winter wheat. Try to avoid excess nitrogen, this can cause lodging in spelt.

The Pests and Disease in Spelt plant

This particular plant is a subspecies of wheat, which means that most of the pests and diseases are similar. Try as much as possible to select the most resistant varieties that are tolerant to pests and diseases.

The harvesting of Spelt

Harvesting of Spelt is the final stage. Spelt harvesting is actually done at the same time as that of wheat or slightly later for returns ranging from about 20 to 45 t / ha.