How to grow cat grass without soil is a process that can be done in several ways, in an easy and hassle-free manner. This microgreen plant is popular because cats eat grass and it can be propagated at home in containers without you having to get your hands dirty.
In this article, our experts teach you exactly how you could do this with a requirement of just a few basic things.
Read on to get a close and upfront look at the steps involved, from gathering seeds to successful sprouting, along with tips and techniques to care for them well.
How To Grow Cat Grass Without Soil
You can grow cat grass without soil using two methods which are very similar to growing wheat grass, oat grass, and barley grass. Grow stones, made out of glass or clay, as an aerated and soilless medium of propagation.
They are a form of substrate that is commonly used to grow plants in a soil-less environment. They are generally made from recycled glass or clay and can easily be procured from any gardening store.
With their rough surface, grow stones make roots branch and become thicker and also promote better soak up the water and its nutrients for the plant, making it an ideal medium for propagation. We can use these grow stones to easily grow cat pet grass and here is how you can go about it.
– Preparing the Right Tools
Gather all your material before you begin your process, having all your things handy and by your side makes the process far smoother. You will typically need a glass jar, some grow stones, a few paper towels or a coffee filter, cat grass seeds, and some filtered water.
– Soak the Stones
Prepare the jar by sterilizing it and keeping it clean before you begin. Additionally, soak your grow stones in pH-balanced water for a few hours and rinse them well before use.
This will ensure the grass seeds have a neutral pH thereby not affecting the germination of the seeds in any way. Fill the jar up to three-quarters with grow stones and tap them down to create a leveled top surface.
– Control the Moisture
Place a power towel over the stones, cutting them to exactly fit in the jar. By using paper towels or a coffee filter they would serve as an excellent pathogen-free medium for seeds as they easily control moisture well and inhibit proper germination. Moisture control is important because it is a key factor to preserve the quality and the storability of the microgreens.
– Soaking Process
Spread the seeds over the paper towel evenly. It is recommended to rinse the seeds and soak them overnight before use. This will boost the process of germination.
What you must do is fill the jar with water right up to the paper towel. Remember the seeds need to be damp and not waterlogged. Place this in a warm place away from direct sunlight.
– Keep the Stones Moist
Regularly spray the seeds with water to keep them moist and prevent drying out. You will have to top up the jar with water every day up to the paper tissue level to compensate for the loss due to evaporation. In three days, your seeds will begin to sprout out roots and in ten days, the cat grass will be ready. Follow up by regularly keeping the stones moist.
Once it has propagated well, the roots have established and the foliage has grown a couple of inches, water it sparingly. It seldom requires much water, but just enough to keep the stones or beads covered.
– Provide Light and Warmth
While it’s growing, cat grass thrives best in bright yet indirect light. If you are growing it indoors, you may have to place it near a window sill with ample partial sunlight. And finally, the best way to promote fresh growth of cat grass is to re-sow your cat grass seeds often. 
Common house garden pests such as aphids, white worms, and slugs can infest cat grass. Regularly check foliage and snip away sections as soon as you spot any sort of infestations. Typically, you will find these pests in clusters on the underside of the grass blade, so look out for them and keep it pest free for the pets.
How To Grow Cat Grass Using Water Beads
The other method is using water beads, which are nothing but tiny polymer balls. Both these methods are easy and will result in sprouting in a soil-less environment within ten days, so read on to get more information on the steps involved in the process.
Water beads are yet another efficient substitute for natural soil and are popular due to their water retention quality. They are typically little granules made from water-absorbent polymers and come in various vibrant colors.
The beads release their stored water in small bits over days keeping the plant well moisturized in a hassle-free way. We can use these water beads to grow cat grass and here are the steps.
– Hydrate The Granules
Before you use them, place them in warm water overnight or for at least four to six hours. This will ensure they absorb as much water as possible before they begin to release it as a medium for plant growth.
– Soak The Seeds
Soak the seeds by converting them completely with water and letting them rest for a minimum of six hours. This pre-soaking helps to kick-start the germination process thereby boosting the entire process of sprouting seeds.
– Prepare the Container
You could either use a glass jar or a bowl. Spread the expanded water beads up to half the container. This way you will be setting the area where you would want to place it.
– Maintain Moisture
Sprinkle the soaked seeds directly and evenly over these beads. Keep the container covered with a damp cloth and place it away from direct sunlight. This is how you must mak sure that the seeds are kept moist by misting them lightly.
– Wait for Three Days
After three days the seeds will begin to germinate tiny nascent roots. Top up the water in the container every day. Within ten days you should have them sprouting out and the roots healthily establishing themselves.
To keep the grass growing always it is recommended to trim it back by at least an inch every week. This will prevent the tall and slender leaves from flipping over and will also boost the growth of the grass. The ideal time to trim the glass blades is when it has reached around five feet in height which you can then sprinkle on your pet’s food.
FAQ
– What Are the Benefits of Growing Cat Grass Without Soil?
Growing this cat grass without soil comes with its own set of benefits. For starters, the process is less messy and hassle-free. Using colorful water beads adds a pop of vibrance and color to your home decor if you are growing it indoors. Plus if you have a pet it is a perfect supplement for their nourishment and cats eat them to brush and keep their teeth clean.
– Will the Cat Grass Grown Without Soil Regrow After Being Cut?
After being trimmed the soil-less cat grass can regrow for two weeks. After this, it is recommended to dispose of it as the nutrition element reduces. Begin the process once again to get a fresh batch of cat grass. You could store the trimmed cat grass in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and utilize it later.
– Can You Grow Cat Grass in Just Water?
Yes, cat grass can be grown in just water as well. Just pre-soak your seeds and place them in water. The seeds will germinate and sprout healthily without the presence of any medium, because this grass would grow on its own and establish itself.
Conclusion
You have now learned how easy it is to grow and care for the cat to grow in a soil-less medium.
In this section below, we are going to summarize all that we have learned in the article above.
- There are several ways to grow cat grass without soil and the most popular methods are using grow stones and water beads. Both of these methods are hassle-free and less messy and the success rate is high.
- Collect grow stones that naturally promote the development of roots due to their rough surface and scatter seeds placed over a paper tissue. Under the right light and warmth in ten days, the seeds will be germinated and sprout thin blades of the grass.
- You may even use the water beads to propagate the plant. Soak the beads overnight and spread seeds over them. Allow it to germinate and sprout over ten days.
- Care for the grown cat grass by trimming it by an inch every week, keeping it pest free, watering it right and giving it the right amount of warmth and light.
- Trimmed cat grass can be regrown for two weeks, after which it is recommended to be disposed of as the nutrition element in it reduces.
Having read how you can grow your cat grass less messily, you can undertake the process all by yourself easily. Now, what are you waiting for, get the things today and ensure your pet has its supply at all times at home.
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