What are the best ways to farm barley and flax in the Plains biome?

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 and preparation. To start, you must first locate a Plains biome, which is a late-game area filled with dangerous enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos. Ensure you have strong armor, weapons, and food buffs before venturing into this biome.\n\nOnce in the Plains, look for Fuling villages, as these often contain barley and flax growing in small plots. Fulings are aggressive enemies, so approach cautiously. Clear the area of threats before attempting to harvest. Barley and flax cannot be planted in other biomes, so you must establish a farm within the Plains. This requires building a secure base with walls, workbenches, and defensive structures to protect against raids.\n\nTo farm barley and flax, you need a Cultivator, which is crafted using Bronze at a Forge. Use the Cultivator to till the soil in the Plains biome, then plant the seeds. Barley and flax grow in two in-game days, but they require constant protection from Fulings and other threats. Building a walled farm with a portal for quick access is highly recommended. This allows you to monitor your crops and defend them efficiently.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Fuling raids, which can destroy your crops. To mitigate this, build stone walls or raised earth walls around your farm. These structures are more durable than wooden walls and can withstand attacks. Additionally, place workbenches or campfires around the perimeter to prevent enemy spawns. This creates a safe zone for your crops to grow undisturbed.\n\nAnother tip is to use Lox for protection. Tamed Lox can be stationed near your farm to deter Fulings and other enemies. Lox are powerful creatures that can be tamed using cloudberries, which are also found in the Plains. Once tamed, they will defend your base and crops, making farming safer and more efficient.\n\nFor optimal farming, plant barley and flax in rows with enough space between them to allow for easy harvesting. Use the Hoe to level the ground and create a flat farming area. This ensures consistent growth and prevents crops from being obstructed by uneven terrain. Regularly check your crops and replant immediately after harvesting to maintain a steady supply.\n\nFinally, consider setting up a dedicated storage area near your farm for barley and flax. This reduces the need to travel back and forth between your main base and the Plains. Use portals to connect your Plains farm to other bases, ensuring quick access to resources. With proper planning and defense, farming barley and flax in the Plains can become a reliable source of materials for crafting and survival.\n\nIn summary, farming barley and flax in the Plains biome requires preparation, defense, and efficient use of tools. Secure a safe area, build strong defenses, and use tamed Lox for added protection. With these strategies, you can successfully farm these valuable crops and thrive in Valheim''s late-game challenges.