Cat grass consists of the young shoots of cereal grains (most commonly wheat, oat, barley, or rye seeds) that provide indoor cats with a safe source of fiber. Cultivating this grass using a water-based, soil-less method offers a clean alternative to traditional potting, eliminating the mess of spilled dirt indoors. This hydroponic approach ensures a quick turnaround from seed to harvest, often taking only about a week. The process relies on providing consistent moisture and oxygen to the seeds.
Gathering Supplies and Seed Preparation
Growing cat grass in water requires gathering a few simple items and preparing the seeds. You will need high-quality, untreated cat grass seeds, a shallow container or jar, and a material to act as a planting base, such as a paper towel, unbleached coffee filter, or inert grow stones. Using filtered or distilled water helps maintain a cleaner environment, reducing the chance of bacterial growth.
The initial step involves pre-soaking the seeds to break dormancy and initiate sprouting. Place the seeds in a bowl and cover them with cool water for approximately 6 to 12 hours. This softens the seed coat, signaling that conditions are favorable for growth. After soaking, thoroughly drain and rinse the seeds to remove any residual compounds before planting.
Step-by-Step Water Growing Method
To set up the growing environment, fill the container with a layer of the chosen planting base (e.g., grow stones, paper towel, or coffee filter). This base provides a stable surface for the seeds while wicking water up to them. Spread the rinsed seeds evenly across this surface, ensuring they are placed in a single layer.
Pour water into the container until the level just touches the bottom of the seeds or the planting base, making the seeds damp but not submerged. Seeds need constant moisture, but they also require oxygen to prevent rotting. Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight to encourage healthy sprouting.
During the first few days, tiny roots will emerge from the seeds, a process known as germination. Once the sprouts appear (typically within three to five days), ensure the water level remains just high enough to contact the emerging roots. Maintaining this shallow depth allows the roots to access moisture and nutrients while still receiving sufficient air circulation.
Ongoing Care and Harvesting
Once the grass begins to grow, position the container in a spot with moderate, indirect light for several hours each day. While bright light supports robust growth, direct sunlight can cause the tender shoots to dry out quickly. Maintaining good air circulation is helpful, as stagnant air contributes to the development of mold or fungal issues.
To prevent water from becoming stagnant and leading to bacterial or mold growth, refresh the water supply entirely every five to seven days. If mold appears (such as white, fuzzy patches around the roots), rinse the roots gently under cool running water and immediately replace the water. Mold often results from poor air flow or water that is too deep.
The cat grass is ready for your pet when the blades reach a height of four to six inches. To harvest, use clean scissors to trim the grass just above the seed base. Cutting the grass at this height allows the root system to continue producing new growth, providing a continuous supply.