Barley – Growing

Q: Can I grow barley here?

A: My guess is that you’re trying to brew beer, right? Barley can grow in Georgia but it is raised more by hobbyists rather than farmers. The seeds are used for beer making, but others harvest the green shoots for juicing. Barley for juicing can be planted anytime because the technique involves planting lots of seed in a plastic tray and raising them indoors.

Outdoor cultivation is more problematic. Barley sprouts very well in October but cold weather can kill it. If you want to grow it for grain, the best planting time is February. You’ll be able to harvest the golden seeds in summer.