How do you plant and harvest barley and flax?

Planting and harvesting barley and flax in Valheim is essential for crafting advanced gear and food. These crops are unique because they can only be grown in the Plains biome, making them a late-game resource. To start, you must first acquire barley and flax seeds, which are dropped by Fuling enemies or found in Fuling villages scattered across the Plains. Once you have the seeds, you need to prepare a suitable farming area.\n\nTo plant barley and flax, you must craft a Cultivator, which requires 5 Core Wood and 5 Bronze. The Cultivator is used to till the soil, creating farmland. Equip the Cultivator, select the ''Cultivate'' option, and left-click on the ground to till it. After tilling, switch to the ''Plant'' option and select either barley or flax seeds from your inventory. Left-click on the tilled soil to plant the seeds. Each seed will grow into a single plant, so plan your farm layout carefully to maximize space.\n\nBarley and flax require specific conditions to grow. They can only be planted in the Plains biome, as other biomes will not support their growth. Additionally, these crops need adequate spacing; planting them too close together will prevent them from growing. Ensure each plant has at least one tile of space around it. Once planted, barley and flax take approximately 2-3 in-game days to fully mature. During this time, you can leave the area and return later to harvest.\n\nHarvesting barley and flax is straightforward. When the plants are fully grown, approach them and press the interact key (default ''E'') to collect the resources. Each barley plant yields 2 barley, while each flax plant yields 2 flax. These resources are crucial for crafting high-tier items. Barley is used to make barley flour, which is essential for advanced foods like bread and lox meat pie. Flax is used to craft linen thread, a key component for crafting padded armor and other late-game gear.\n\nOne common challenge is protecting your crops from Fuling raids. Fulings are aggressive enemies that spawn in the Plains and can destroy your farm if left unchecked. To mitigate this, build a secure perimeter around your farm using stone walls or stake walls. You can also place workbenches or other player-made structures nearby to prevent enemy spawns. Another tip is to farm during the day and avoid the Plains at night, as Fulings are more active and dangerous in the dark.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that barley and flax farming is a late-game activity. You’ll need to have progressed through the Swamp and Mountain biomes to gather the necessary resources for crafting the Cultivator and surviving in the Plains. Experienced Vikings can optimize their farms by using the Hoe to level the ground, ensuring even terrain for planting. Additionally, consider building a portal near your farm for quick access and resource transportation.\n\nIn summary, planting and harvesting barley and flax in Valheim requires preparation, the right tools, and a safe farming environment. Focus on securing the Plains biome, spacing your crops properly, and protecting your farm from enemies. With patience and planning, you’ll have a steady supply of barley and flax to fuel your Viking adventures.