Grow Cat Grass Indoors: A Seed-To-Grass Guide

how to grow cat grass indoors from seeds

Cat grass is a healthy treat for cats, providing them with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It can be grown indoors all year round and is a great way to add some greenery to your cat's life, especially if they are indoor cats. Cat grass is typically grown from cereal grains like rye, barley, oat, alfalfa, or wheat seeds. Here's a step-by-step guide to growing cat grass indoors from seeds.

Characteristics Values
Soil depth 1-2 inches from the top of the pot
Seed placement Scatter seeds on top of the soil
Seed coverage Cover seeds with 1/4 inch of soil
Watering Keep the soil moist, not soaked
Container covering Cover the container with plastic wrap, with some perforations for airflow
Container placement Keep the container in a cool, dark place
Sprouting time 2-3 days
Light Place the pot in a well-lit spot with access to direct sunlight
Harvesting Harvest when the grass is 3-5 inches high

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Choosing a container and location

Choosing a Container:

  • Select a container that is wide and shallow, such as a plastic tray, a low-wide glass jar, or a small pot. The container should have a minimum depth of 1 inch to hold the roots of the cat grass.
  • Ensure that the container has holes at the bottom for proper water drainage. This will prevent the roots from sitting in excess water, which can lead to mould or a mouldy smell.
  • Opt for a container that is stable and not easily tipped over. Cats may gently munch on the blades of grass or pull on them, and an unstable container could lead to a mess.
  • Consider using grow stones or unbleached paper towels/coffee filters as an alternative to organic potting soil. These provide a growing medium and help keep the seeds separate from the stones or soil.

Choosing a Location:

  • Place the container in a bright room with indirect sunlight. Cat grass prefers indirect light and can even grow in low-light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as it is not necessary for the grass to thrive.
  • During the germination process, keep the container in a cool, dark, and slightly warm place. Cover the container with plastic wrap, leaving some perforations for airflow. This creates an ideal environment for seed germination.
  • Once the seeds have sprouted, move the container to a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, where the grass can receive sunlight and indirect light. This will promote healthy growth.
  • Maintain regular watering. Before sprouting, keep the seeds moist but not soaked. After sprouting, reduce watering to keep the soil slightly moist.

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Preparing the soil and seeds

Firstly, select an appropriate container for your cat grass. This could be a shallow plastic tray, a small pot, or even a glass jar, depending on your preference. Ensure that the container has holes at the bottom for adequate drainage and is stable enough to prevent tipping over. Fill the container with organic potting soil to about one inch from the top. It is essential to use organic soil to avoid exposing your cat to harmful chemicals.

The next step is to scatter the cat grass seeds. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface. Cat grass seeds can be purchased from pet stores or online; they are typically oat or wheat seeds, but other options include rye, barley, or alfalfa. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, approximately a quarter of an inch thick. This step ensures the seeds are nicely nestled in the soil and have the darkness they need to germinate.

Now it's time to water your future cat grass! Use your hands or a sprayer to gently moisten the soil. Be careful not to soak the seeds, as this can cause them to disperse or wash away. The goal is to maintain evenly moist soil throughout the germination process.

To create a mini-greenhouse effect and accelerate germination, cover the container with plastic wrap. Poke a few small holes in the plastic to allow for airflow. Place the covered container in a warm, dark place, such as on top of your refrigerator or in a cupboard.

Check on your seeds every day to ensure the soil remains moist. Within two to three days, tiny sprouts should begin to emerge. Once the seeds have sprouted, remove the plastic wrap and relocate the container to a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, where your cat grass can receive ample sunlight and indirect light.

Continue to water your cat grass regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. With proper care, your cat grass will thrive and provide a healthy treat for your feline friend!

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Watering and covering the seeds

Watering the Seeds

  • After scattering the cat grass seeds on top of the soil, it's time to water them gently. You want to ensure the soil is moist but not soaked. Use a sprayer or your hands to sprinkle water until the soil is evenly moist.
  • Keep the seeds moist until they start to sprout. This usually takes around five to seven days for cat grass seeds to germinate.
  • Once the seeds have sprouted, reduce the watering. Keep the soil slightly moist to prevent overwatering, which can ruin the roots.
  • Continue to water the grass regularly, especially if it's in a naturally well-lit place or under grow lights.

Covering the Seeds

  • After watering the seeds, cover the container with plastic wrap. This helps create a warm and moist environment for germination.
  • Perforate the plastic wrap to allow for airflow. It's important to have some ventilation while still maintaining a warm and dark environment.
  • Place the covered container in a warm and dark place. This could be on top of your fridge or in a cupboard.
  • Keep the container in the dark until you see tiny sprouts emerging, which usually takes two to three days.
  • Once the seeds have sprouted, carefully remove the plastic wrap. Now you can place the pot in a bright room that receives indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill.

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Germination and growth

Now that you've prepared your container, it's time to start growing!

First, sprinkle your cat grass seeds over the soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil—about 1/4 inch thick. Gently water the seeds until the soil is moist, being careful not to disperse the seeds. Alternatively, you can pre-soak the seeds in water overnight before placing them on the paper towel to speed up germination.

Once the seeds are in place, cover the container with plastic wrap, leaving some perforations for airflow. Place the container in a cool, dark location to help the seeds germinate. Keep the soil moist during this time, but be careful not to soak it.

Within two to three days, you should start seeing tiny sprouts emerge. At this point, carefully remove the plastic wrap and place the container in a spot that receives sunlight and indirect light, such as a windowsill. Continue to water the seeds, but reduce the amount so that the soil is only slightly moist.

With regular watering and adequate light, your cat grass will thrive. In about ten to twelve days, your grass should reach a height of 3 to 5 inches, at which point it will be ready for your feline friend to enjoy!

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Harvesting and maintenance

Once your cat grass has sprouted and grown to around 3-5 inches in height, it is ready to be harvested and fed to your cat. Place the container in a spot your cat can access, but away from other houseplants. Keeping cat grass separate can help signal to your cat that this grass is for eating, whereas other plants may be off-limits.

Young grass is the sweetest, so you may notice your cat takes a particular interest in the grass at first. You can expect your cat to start munching on the grass, but also to pull at it and maybe even make a mess. To avoid this, ensure the container is heavy and won't tip over easily.

When the cat grass starts to change colour or die off, it's time to plant a new batch of seeds. If you notice pests like aphids or gnats, simply dump out the water, rinse the container, and refill it.

If you have multiple cats, you may need to grow more cat grass to keep them all happy. You can also try using a seed-starting mat underneath your cat grass to give it extra warmth during germination if your home is particularly cold.

When your cat has nibbled the grass down and it's not growing as well, simply take apart your cat grass garden and resow the seeds to start over.

Frequently asked questions

You'll need a shallow container with holes in the bottom for water to drain, potting soil, and cat grass seeds. Fill the container with enough soil to hold the roots (at least 1 inch deep), sprinkle the seeds on top, and cover with a thin layer of soil.

Keep the seeds moist until they start to sprout. This usually takes 5-7 days. Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in a cool, dark place. Once sprouts emerge, move the container to a sunny spot, like a windowsill, and continue to water lightly.

When the grass reaches 3-5 inches in height, it's ready for your cat to enjoy. Place the container where your cat can access it, but away from other houseplants.

Yes, growing cat grass indoors ensures it's free of pesticides. It also provides a healthy, non-toxic treat for your cat and can help keep them away from nibbling on potentially toxic houseplants.

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