Oats (Avena sativa. L.), while difficult to process, are relatively simple to grow in the northeast. They do very well in cool, moist climates, grow quickly, and are able to tolerate mild frosts. Oats have been eaten for centuries and have traditionally thrived in the cool climates of Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Oats quickly produce lush, grassy foliage, which is typically killed by temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions where the oats die in winter, the dead foliage becomes maintenance-free mulch that you can leave in place and plant through in spring.
Where do oats grow best?
They do very well in cool, moist climates, grow quickly, and are able to tolerate mild frosts. Oats have been eaten for centuries and have traditionally thrived in the cool climates of Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Any average, well drained soil., and full sun. Oats are a cool-weather crop that can tolerate light frosts but is usually killed by temperatures below 5F (-15C). None generally needed, especially when oats are grown with nitrogen-fixing cover crops such as winter peas, winter beans or hairy vetch.
What are common oats and how to grow them?
Common oats, Avena sativa, is a white oat that has a tough hull and needs hand or machine threshing. It grows to maturity in 100-120 days. Common oats grow well in acidic soils and will out-compete many weeds. They also have a lot of biomass if you want to use them as a cover crop. This variety is high yielding.
What are the best oats for winter forage?
This variety is high yielding. Forage oats, Avena sativa, are a winter hardy variety that you can use as a cover crop or as winter forage for livestock or wildlife like deer and turkeys. They’re incredibly disease resistant, with a softer stem than common oats. Look for varieties like Reeves, Niagra, and Everleaf.
Can you plant oats in the fall?
Most people plant spring oats, but if you’re in the south, you may opt to sow in the fall. Oats are a cool-weather crop and don’t mind cloudy, rainy weather. Think about how well they grow in Scotland and Ireland, both of which have oatmeal named for them. Oats like a similar climate to potatoes. They tolerate a cool, wet spring.
The two planting times are from late winter to early spring (between February and early April), or from late summer to fall (September to December). How to plant oats?
What type of weather do oatmeal plants like?
Oats are a cool-weather crop and don’t mind cloudy, rainy weather. Think about how well they grow in Scotland and Ireland, both of which have oatmeal named for them. Oats like a similar climate to potatoes. They tolerate a cool, wet spring.