How do you grow barley and flax in the Plains biome?

Growing barley and flax in the Plains biome is essential for crafting high-tier gear and food in Valheim. These crops are exclusive to the Plains biome and require specific conditions to thrive. Unlike other crops, barley and flax cannot be grown in other biomes, making the Plains a critical area for late-game progression. To start farming these crops, you must first locate the Plains biome, which is identifiable by its golden grass, tar pits, and dangerous enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos.\n\nBefore planting barley and flax, you need to prepare the area. Clear out any hostile creatures and secure the land by building walls or trenches to protect your farm. Use a cultivator, crafted at a forge using 5 core wood and 5 bronze, to till the soil. Barley and flax require cultivated ground to grow, so ensure you have enough space for your crops. It’s also a good idea to build a small outpost nearby for safety and storage.\n\nTo obtain barley and flax seeds, you’ll need to raid Fuling villages in the Plains. These villages often have barley and flax growing in their fields, which you can harvest using a bronze or iron axe. Once you’ve collected the seeds, return to your prepared farm and plant them using the cultivator. Each seed takes approximately 2-3 in-game days to grow, so patience is key. Make sure to plant them in rows with enough space between each seed to maximize yield.\n\nOne common challenge is protecting your crops from Fuling raids. These enemies can destroy your farm if left unchecked. To mitigate this, build defensive structures like stake walls or raised earth walls around your farm. You can also place workbenches or campfires nearby to prevent enemy spawns. Additionally, consider setting up a portal near your farm for quick access and escape if needed.\n\nOnce your barley and flax have fully grown, harvest them using a bronze or iron axe. Barley is used to craft barley flour, which is essential for making high-tier foods like bread and lox meat pie. Flax is used to craft linen thread, which is required for crafting padded armor and other advanced items. To process barley into flour, you’ll need a windmill, crafted using 20 stone, 30 wood, and 30 iron nails. For flax, use a spinning wheel, crafted with 20 fine wood, 10 iron nails, and 5 leather scraps.\n\nA practical tip for maximizing efficiency is to stagger your planting. By planting seeds in batches over several days, you can ensure a continuous supply of barley and flax. This method prevents you from running out of resources while waiting for the next harvest. Additionally, always carry a portal with you when venturing into the Plains to quickly transport your harvested crops back to your main base.\n\nIn summary, growing barley and flax in the Plains biome requires careful preparation, protection, and patience. Secure your farm, gather seeds from Fuling villages, and use the cultivator to plant and harvest your crops. Defend your farm from raids, process your harvest using a windmill and spinning wheel, and stagger your planting for consistent yields. With these steps, you’ll have a steady supply of barley and flax to support your late-game crafting and survival needs.