What is the best way to farm barley and flax in the Plains?

Farming barley and flax in Valheim''s Plains biome is essential for crafting high-tier gear and food. Both crops are exclusive to the Plains and require careful planning to maximize yield. Barley is used to make barley flour for bread and lox meat pie, while flax is crucial for crafting linen thread, which is needed for padded armor and other advanced items. To farm these crops efficiently, you need to understand the Plains biome''s dangers and the mechanics of crop growth.\n\nFirst, you must establish a safe farming area in the Plains. This biome is home to deadly enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox, so building a secure base is critical. Start by finding a relatively flat area near water, as crops require proximity to a cultivator to grow. Use the Hoe to level the ground and create a large, flat farming plot. Surround the area with sturdy walls, such as stone or wood, and add defensive structures like stake walls or trenches to keep enemies out. A workbench and a portal nearby will make farming and transporting resources easier.\n\nOnce your farming area is secure, you need to obtain barley and flax seeds. These seeds are not found in the wild; they must be looted from Fuling villages. Fulings are aggressive goblin-like creatures that guard their camps fiercely. Approach these villages carefully, preferably during the day, and use ranged weapons like bows to thin their numbers before engaging in melee combat. Loot the chests and structures in the village to find barley and flax seeds. Be prepared for a tough fight, as Fulings often attack in groups and can overwhelm unprepared players.\n\nAfter acquiring seeds, return to your farming plot and use the cultivator to prepare the soil. Equip the cultivator and interact with the tilled soil to plant barley and flax. These crops grow in stages and require time to mature. Unlike other crops, barley and flax cannot be grown outside the Plains biome, so ensure your farming plot is within this biome. Water proximity is not required for these crops, but keeping your plot near a water source can make it easier to manage other farming needs.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, plant your crops in rows with enough space between them to allow easy harvesting. Barley and flax take approximately two in-game days to grow fully. Once mature, use the cultivator to harvest them. Each plant yields one unit of barley or flax and one seed, allowing you to replant and expand your farm over time. Keep an eye on your crops, as they can be destroyed by enemies or environmental hazards like Lox stomping through your fields.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with raids and enemy spawns near your farm. To mitigate this, ensure your base is well-defended with walls, traps, and a moat if possible. Additionally, avoid building your farm too close to Fuling villages or Lox herds, as this increases the risk of attacks. If you''re playing with friends, assign someone to guard the farm while others gather resources or explore.\n\nFinally, consider automating your farming process by using mods or creative building techniques. While Valheim does not have built-in automation, you can use mods like Plant Everything to streamline planting and harvesting. Alternatively, design your farm layout to minimize movement and maximize efficiency. For example, create a grid pattern with pathways between rows to make harvesting faster and more organized.\n\nIn summary, farming barley and flax in the Plains requires preparation, defense, and patience. Secure a safe farming area, gather seeds from Fuling villages, and plant your crops in a well-organized plot. Protect your farm from enemies and environmental hazards, and consider using mods or creative designs to improve efficiency. With these strategies, you''ll have a steady supply of barley and flax for crafting and survival in Valheim.