How To Grow Cat Grass Indoors: So Easy To Do From Seed

I must admit, the pretty seed packet initially tempted me to buy the cat grass. My kitty Riley was acting a bit lonely (his buddy Oscar died 6 months ago) so I thought a little grass may be just the ticket to keep him entertained.

Riley has never shown any interest in any of my houseplants but I thought the cat grass might pique his curiosity. I never got around to planting the seeds until Sylvester entered the picture.

10 days before Christmas I decided it was time to get another kitty companion for Riley. Off to the shelter I marched carrier in hand. I ended up coming home with a big tuxedo boy, who for the most part has no interest in my plants.

That is, except for the Spider Plant which sits on a plant stand in the bedroom. Those big, crunchy leaves are just too irresistible!

I thought he’d be wildly enthusiastic about the grass and that I’d be planting it on a regular rotation. Both Sylvester and Riley sniffed the grass and that was the extent of the interaction.

So what did I do with the grass you ask? I cut it off and put it in my smoothies.

My neighbor says her kitty goes crazy for cat grass. Regardless of the fact that mine don’t, I want to share the details on how to grow it because your kitty will probably love it too.

I hadn’t grown cat grass for almost 20 years and forgot what a cinch it is to do.

Soil Mix for Cat Grass

A soilless mix is best for seed starting. It needs to be light and well-aerated so those tiny plants can easily emerge. If you like to DIY, here’s a recipe to make your own seed starting mix.

There are many seed starting mixes on the market which you can find online or at your local garden center.

I know a couple of people who start their seeds in organic potting soil and add in perlite to lighten the mix. Cat grass seeds are big (as you’ll see in the video) so I’m sure this option works just fine also.

Container to Use

I don’t think it matters what container you use. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough so your cat can’t easily tip it over. I used 4″ plastic grow pots but 6″ would work also. I’ve seen cat grass grown in trays, low bowls, rectangular planters, ceramics, terra cotta and more.

Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference:

• Guide To Watering Indoor Plants
• Beginner’s Guide To Repotting Plants
• 3 Ways To Successfully Fertilize Indoor Plants
• How to Clean Houseplants
• Winter Houseplant Care Guide
• Plant Humidity: How I Increase Humidity For Houseplants
• Buying Houseplants: 14 Tips For Indoor Gardening Newbies
• 11 Pet-Friendly Houseplants

See me planting the seeds:

When to Sow the Seeds

Indoors, you can sow the seeds year round. I planted my 2 pots in late winter and they germinated and were ready for use in the specified time on the packet.

I live in Tucson with warmer, sunny winters so if you live in a climate where winter days are shorter, the process might take a bit longer at this time.

When the Cat Grass was Ready for Use

It was ready for kitty inspection (& consumption) in 10 days. So fast & easy!

How to Grow Cat Grass

Fill your container with the soil mix to 1/2″ to 1″ below the rim of the pot. I filled mine a bit higher than this, and when the large seeds starting emerging, they “puffed” the mix-up and a bit spilled out.

Moisten the mix.

Sprinkle the seeds on the surface. I sowed them densely and didn’t leave much space in between the seeds. This grass grows straight and narrow so they can be planted closely. I lightly pressed the seeds into the mix.

Cover with more of the mix.

Moisten the top. I used a mister for this part.

Put in a spot with bright natural light, preferably away from where your kitty can get it.

How to Maintain

I put the seeds in my northeast-facing dining room window. This location is very bright all day but receives no direct sun. Remember, I’m in the desert so yours might need a different exposure.

I misted the seeds every day until they started to germinate. After that, I watered the seeds every 2-3 days. You may have to water more or less depending on your conditions.

That’s all you do—easy as can be.

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