Hulless Oats
BACK! Oats are easy to grow and tolerant of wet cold spring soil. They became the main grain in Scotland because they could cope with the cold wet climate and poor soil. The problem with growing oats on a home scale has always been removing the hulls. This variety is not only free-threshing but has great sweet flavor as well. A simple way to grow healthful grain averaging 15% protein.
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but most commercial oat products are not, because they are processed along with wheat. By growing your own, you control the entire process. It doesn't take too much space to grow a usable amount. Given good fertility, weed control, and spacing, 100 sq ft can produce up to 10 lb of edible grain. That's a lot of oatmeal! As a bonus, you get the straw for mulch, compost, or animal bedding as well.
Plants form several tillers (stalks) up to 4' tall. Spacing: small amounts can be individually-sown like vegetables, on 8"-12" centers. Broadcasting (sprinkling or strewing) requires more seed, but takes less time. Either way, it is essential that the seed is well covered with soil, both to prevent birds from finding it, and for reliable sprouting. Avena nuda.