Rye CORN (or Rye)

Secale cereale

1 x Packet of approx 100 seeds

This is a common cereal grain, high in fibre and nutrients and is generally considered healthier than most refined wheat products. Note this is not the same as the rye grass used for lawn grass. Rye is easy to grow and can be used for making your own flour and using in bread as well as a bird seed or the young shoots in a pot are perfect for cats to chew on. To start the seeds, either plant direct in the soil 10-15mm deep - germinates best in relatively cool soil around 15-24 degrees C, warmer conditions will reduce germination significantly. Can also be started using the sprouting method:

STEP 1 - Soak in warm water for approx. 12 hours.

STEP 2 - Rinse seeds thoroughly through a sieve. Leave in sieve but rinse several times a day to keep them moist and rinsed.

STEP 3 - After doing this for around 3 days the seeds will have begun to germinate. Once each seed has a little white root coming out, transfer to a seedling tray that has been lined with a 2cm layer of soil and spread seeds evenly over the surface.

STEP 4- Cover the seeds either with more soil or place tray in a dark cupboard with no light. Keep moist at all times (use a spray bottle for ease)

STEP 5- After another two or so days the seedlings will be around 2cm tall and can now be transferred to a partly sunny position. Either on a bench indoors or outside. Continue to water every day and ensure they are always moist but not overly wet.

STEP 6 - After about a week the shoots will be bright green and ready to cut. Simply cut about 1-2cm from the base with scissors and use the shoots. Allow the cut shoots to regrow so you can cut again but best to restart after two cuttings.