by Angela Twitty
Imagine Growing Rice Indoors
Rice has been a staple food for many cultures since ancient times, with the history of its cultivation going back as far as 14,000 years ago. Today, it is one of the most vital food crops in the world, feeding more than half of the human population. Read more about the fascinating history of this crop here: http://ricepedia.org/culture/history-of-rice-cultivation.
As a testament to its importance, people have found numerous ways to incorporate rice in dishes — from the basic bed of warm white rice to elaborate desserts like the Japanese wagashi. While we’ve had to cook rice through more tedious methods before, like slaving over a stovetop, modern technology has given us tools like multi-functional rice cookers, which can also cook other grains. Find more information about them here: https://www.weknowrice.com/aroma/best-aroma-rice-cookers. Similarly, individuals interested in baking have also used grain mills to make rice flour for gluten-free treats.
Here are a few tips on choosing one: https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/food/2020/11/17/choosing-right-home-flour-mill-your-kitchen/6187534002
With how convenient it is to prepare rice nowadays, it might be a good idea to try planting some at home. Do note, however, that unless you have a rice paddy in your backyard, your yield will only be enough for around two meals at most. That said, this can be a fun gardening experiment to do while you’re staying safe at home.
How to grow rice at home
For this project, you will need:
• Rice seed from a gardening supplier
• Potting soil
• Buckets or plastic containers at least eight inches deep, no holes
• Indoor grow lights (if you live in a cooler area)
Begin by germinating your rice seeds in untreated, non-chlorinated water. Soak them for 36 hours and keep them at temperatures between 70 to 90°F. Make sure that the seeds are fully immersed underwater, and that you rinse them at least once during this period. Once you see tiny roots forming, take the seeds out and let them dry for 24 hours.
To create a makeshift rice paddy, fill your bucket or plastic container with at least six inches of potting soil. Place the germinated seeds around half an inch deep into the soil, with roughly six-inch spaces between each seedling. It is important that your container has no holes. You do not want your water to drain, since you’ll need to saturate the soil with water — at least two inches above soil level. Then, store the bucket in a sunny area, and move it to a warmer place come nightfall. And you are done!
Caring for your indoor rice plant
Planting the rice is the easy part. Actually, growing it until harvest time proves more of a challenge, as rice needs plenty of sunlight and warmth to thrive. More precisely, it needs at least 40 consecutive days in warm temperatures of over 70°F. Because of this, those living in cooler climates should consider buying grow lights if they plan to cultivate rice at home. Learn more about grow lights here: https://www.houseplantsexpert.com/choosing-grow-lights-for-indoor-plants-guide.html
Once you’ve figured out where to keep your plants, all that’s left is to keep topping up the water level at two inches above the soil. Do this until the rice plant reaches five to six inches in height — at which point, increase the water level to four inches above the dirt. Your rice should be ready to harvest by the time all the water is gone. Look for brown, dry seed heads that have bent from the weight of the rice.
As you can see, it is possible to grow rice at home, provided you have the right equipment. For more backyard gardening projects, check out this link: http://owwmedia.com/2014/04/can-grow-backyard-coffee-beans.