Knowledgebase

local wheat #301487

Asked February 17, 2016, 6:23 AM EST

What variety of wheat would best be suited for my local environment? It will be used for making bread on a hobby level. Only a small patch in the garden will be used for growing it so yield per plant is more important than yield per acre. Also an heirloom, land race, or one of the more ancient varieties would be preferred. I would also like to know when to plant and spacing. Please keep in mind that I live in the Mississippi River flood plane and the plants are liable to get wet feet for an extended time in the spring. Thanks for your help. Stu Perkins

Louisa County Iowa

Expert Response

Stu:

I do not know the answer but I have sent out several inquiries. I'm telling you this so you know the status and that I'm working on it. The "system" may prevent me from getting back to you due to time limits, but I have found your address on the internet, so if I can't get back to you through this, I'll drop you a note in the mail. If you want to contact me directly, my telephone number is<personal data hidden> and my e-mail is <personal data hidden>.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 23, 2016, 10:59 AM EST
Thanks for your help. I'll be waiting for your reply. Hope it's not an impossible thing to do.
Stu
The Question Asker Replied February 24, 2016, 6:35 AM EST

Stu:

My sources tell me that you are fighting a loosing battle. First, the older varieties were very low yielding; improved yields were a huge part of "The Green Revolution" of the late 1960's and early 1970's. Second, part of what makes newer varieties higher yielding is improved disease resistance. You note the area tends to be wet, which promotes root diseases. Third, finding seed from older varieties is extremely difficult; you would probably need to work with an organization like "Seed Savers" in Decorah, Iowa.

My sources also tell me that the newer varieties have baking qualities just as good as older varieties and also are just as good for human health as older varieties.

If I hear anything more from any of my sources, I'll let you know.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 21, 2016, 1:30 PM EDT
Thanks for your time and effort. I have some heirloom and more modern wheats that are used for baking and know they are viable because they sprout. I think that I'll throw some in the garden and see what happens.
The Question Asker Replied March 22, 2016, 6:52 AM EDT

Loading ...