Buckwheat — FarmPal
Fast-growing pseudo-grain (actually related to rhubarb) that is a pollinator magnet.
Sun
full
Water
low
Spacing
Broadcast at 2-3 lbs per 1000 sq ft
Days to Harvest
70-90 days
Planting Depth
1/2 1 inch deep
Companion Plants
Plant between main crops as soil builder
Avoid Planting Near
Heavy frost not cold tolerant
Common Pests
Deer
Rabbits
Diseases to Watch
Generally disease-free
Growing Tips
- •Grows incredibly fast flowers in 4 weeks
- •Excellent bee forage produces delicious honey
- •Smothers weeds effectively
- •Turn under as green manure or harvest grain
- •Can make multiple plantings per season
Harvesting
- •Seeds mature unevenly harvest when 75% are brown
- •Cut plants, let dry on tarps, thresh
- •Seeds have tough hulls need to dehull for flour
- •Some loss to birds is inevitable
Storage
Groats (dehulled) store 6-12 months. Whole seeds store longer.
Varieties
Mancan
Standard variety. Good yields.
Common
Generic buckwheat. Widely available.