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Gardener's Notebook - Thursday is St. Nicholas Day

Thursday, December 6 is St. Nicholas day! Once upon a time in a faraway place called Patara, a little boy named Nicholas was born. He was born to a wealthy Christian family, but sadly his parents died when he was still very young.
Hayward

Thursday, December 6 is St. Nicholas day! Once upon a time in a faraway place called Patara, a little boy named Nicholas was born. He was born to a wealthy Christian family, but sadly his parents died when he was still very young. Nicholas was raised hearing lessons of charity, so he used his family inheritance to help the poor, the hungry, and the sick. In time, when he grew up, he became a bishop, and was well-known and well-loved for his kindness and generosity, especially towards children.  

While reading about St. Nicholas, I read about many traditions connected to this kind man, but one that is of interest to gardeners is the idea of planting a wheat garden for St. Nicholas. Why a wheat garden? Tradition tells us that Nicholas always helped the hungry, and provided grain to those struck by famine.  Since wheat is the “staff of life”, it is a fitting tribute to a man who worked so hard to help the hungry around him.

When I saw pictures of dishes of wheat shoots, they looked very appealing, so I thought I would read up on how we go about making a wheat garden.  It’s new to me, so I’ll tell you what I learned!

For anyone who makes kutia, the first step will be familiar. We will need about two cups of wheat seed and a tray that is approximately 16 by 16 inches. I’m thinking that probably an old 9 by 13 inch cake pan might work, too. Our first step is to rinse the seeds, drain, then put them in a bowl.  Cover with about three times as much water, and soak overnight. So far, so good. Now things change, however.

We drain the water, and add that much fresh water again. Soak for another ten hours or so, drain, and add fresh water again for another ten hours. I read that by this point, our wheat should have roots sprouting.

Now, we take our planting tray and fill it with about one inch of compost or potting soil.  Then we scatter our wheat in an even layer and press gently, but not bury the seeds. Sprinkle with a little water, and then cover with moist sheets of newspaper. We must sprinkle the soil gently with water, just to keep it moist, then cover with the newspapers again for four days. At that time, we can uncover the tray, and keep it in an area where it will get indirect sun.

Now we can just enjoy the fresh green shoots as beautiful little garden unto themselves.   

I saw one picture that looked like the wheat was planted in a glass pie plate: it looked beautiful.  All we would have to do is adjust the amount of wheat for a smaller container. Whatever size you choose, it would be like a miniature Zen garden!  

I am not sure how we maintain it; it may require trimming like a little putting green! But I think this is not a long-term gardening project: it is meant to enjoy for a short period, a burst of greenery in the dark of winter.

The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society will not be meeting till February, but you can see what’s new with the group by visiting our website at www.yorktonhort.ca

Do you continue with your daily garden tour, even in the snow? I do; I enjoy seeing the birds having their daily board meetings at the feeder. I also love looking at the bare branches of the trees: at this time of year we can see their shape and the bark. So lovely!  Our linden still has many little seed pods attached, and their tawny color against sparkling snow on the branches is truly a Christmas-card image!  Bundle up, enjoy a garden walk, and have a great week!