I’ve been doing some research into growing grains and other staples in the backyard. For the most part, they are easy to grow. The main thing to look for is adaptability to the local climate (the climate here in Houston is very harsh) and time of year. Most of the grains are even harmed by too much fertilizer.
One of the grains I’ve chosen to try is called Amaranth. It is a relative of pigweed. Yes a weed, but the leaves, especially the young leaves, and the seeds are edible. As an added benefit, the flowers are rather attractive. Because of the weed relation, it is a fast growing, hardy plant well suited to the heat and humidity in Houston. The only other grain as suited to this clime is rice. I’ll have to try rice at some point as well, but it takes a little more work and a lot more water.
My other grain trials include hard red wheat and oats. Unfortunately, I did not read about the climate and time of year they prefer before planting, so they are unlikely to survive our rather hot summer.