How do you efficiently farm barley and flax in the Plains biome?

Farming 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 and require careful planning and execution to farm efficiently. To begin, you must first locate a Plains biome, which is identifiable by its golden grass, tall rock formations, and dangerous enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos. Ensure you are well-prepared with upgraded gear, such as iron or better, and bring a cultivator to till the soil.\n\nBefore planting, you need to secure a safe farming area. The Plains biome is hostile, so building a fortified base is crucial. Start by clearing the area of enemies and constructing a perimeter wall with stakewalls or stone walls. Add workbenches or other base structures to prevent enemy spawns inside your farm. This step ensures your crops and character remain safe while farming.\n\nOnce your base is secure, use the cultivator to till the soil. Barley and flax require tilled ground to grow, and they cannot be planted in regular grass or dirt. Space your crops properly, as they need room to grow. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one unit of space between each plant. Overcrowding can reduce yields or prevent growth altogether.\n\nBarley and flax take approximately 2 in-game days to grow fully. During this time, you must protect your crops from environmental hazards like Fuling raids or Lox trampling. Consider building a roof or enclosing your farm to shield it from these threats. Additionally, ensure you have a nearby portal for quick access to your farm and other resources.\n\nHarvesting is straightforward: simply approach the fully grown crops and interact with them. Barley is used to craft bread and other high-tier foods, while flax is essential for crafting linen thread, which is used in padded armor and other advanced gear. Store your harvested crops in secure chests to prevent loss from raids or accidents.\n\nOne common challenge is managing the Plains biome''s hostile environment. To mitigate this, always carry healing items like mead and food buffs. Use a bow to deal with Deathsquitos from a distance, and avoid engaging Fulings in large groups unless you are well-prepared. Building a moat around your farm can also deter ground-based enemies.\n\nFor speedrunning, focus on optimizing your farming layout and minimizing downtime. Use multiple cultivators to till soil faster, and plant crops in large batches to maximize efficiency. Consider setting up multiple small farms across the Plains biome to reduce travel time and increase overall yield.\n\nIn summary, farming barley and flax in the Plains biome requires preparation, safety measures, and efficient planning. Secure a safe area, till the soil, plant your crops, and protect them from threats. With these steps, you can efficiently farm these valuable resources and progress quickly in Valheim.