Collection: Oat Seeds (Avena spp)

Oats originated in the Mediterranean area. The grain was brought to North America in the early 17th century and became a very important livestock feedcrop. In this century, it has become increasingly popular as human food because of its health benefits. It is rich in nutrients, lowers cholesterol and blood sugar as well as supporting digestive and heart health. In the past few years, sales of oatmilk have skyrocketed.

Oats are an easy grain to grow and best planted as soon as the soil has warmed up a bit. Oats do best in cool, moist conditions but they don't tolerate cold weather as well as Rye. They are killed by the first hard frost.

At harvest, Oat kernels can easily be stripped off the stalk with an upward swipe of the hand. There are varieties with "naked" hulls that can easily be threshed.

Sow Oat seeds about 2 inches apart, just below the surface, in blocks or rows. Harvest the seeds in midsummer.

Packets contain around 200 seeds.