How Long Does Crops Take to Grow in FS22? A Farmer’s Almanac
The virtual fields of Farming Simulator 22 (FS22) await, but patience is key to a bountiful harvest. So, the big question: How long does it really take for crops to grow in FS22? The answer, like a good seed, has layers. Generally, crops take between one and nine in-game days to mature, depending on the crop type, the growth stage, and the game’s time scale settings. However, factors like seasonal growth, using fertilizer, and even plowing techniques play significant roles in shortening or prolonging this timeframe.
Growth times vary widely. For instance, wheat and barley are typically among the faster growers, maturing relatively quickly. Slower crops like cotton and sugarcane demand more patience and careful planning. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of each crop and mastering your farming techniques are crucial to maximizing your yield in FS22.
Understanding Growth Stages and Time Scales
The growth cycle of crops in FS22 isn’t a simple, linear process. Each crop progresses through distinct growth stages: sown, germination, immature, mature, and withered. The time spent in each stage significantly impacts the overall growth time. Understanding these stages allows players to strategically plan fertilization, weed control, and harvesting for optimal results.
Game Time Scale
Perhaps the most direct influence on crop growth time is the game time scale. FS22 allows you to adjust how quickly time passes within the game, ranging from real-time (1x) to drastically accelerated speeds (up to 120x). Naturally, a higher time scale will compress the duration of each growth stage, leading to faster crop maturity. Remember that increasing the time scale also affects other in-game processes, such as animal breeding and contract deadlines.
Seasonal Growth
One of the most significant additions in FS22 is the seasonal growth mechanic. If enabled, crops will only grow during their designated growing seasons. Attempting to plant out of season will result in no growth. Each crop has a specific planting and harvesting window, which must be considered for successful cultivation. Utilizing the in-game calendar is essential for planning your planting schedule and maximizing your harvests. This makes timing your planting of utmost importance, so you will want to know what month is best for planting.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate
Beyond the time scale and seasonal cycles, several factors can influence how quickly your crops develop. Mastering these techniques can significantly shorten the waiting time and increase your overall farm productivity.
Fertilization
Fertilization is paramount to speeding up crop growth. Applying fertilizer at different stages (pre-planting, post-planting, and during growth) provides essential nutrients that boost the growth rate. The game allows for multiple applications of fertilizer. Multiple passes will increase the efficacy. Use slurry, manure, digestate, or mineral fertilizer, applying them with the appropriate spreaders or sprayers. Optimal fertilization can dramatically reduce the time it takes for your crops to reach maturity.
Weed Control
Weeds are the bane of every farmer, virtual or otherwise. They compete with your crops for vital resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, hindering their growth. Implementing effective weed control measures is crucial to maintaining a healthy growth rate. Use weeders, hoes, or herbicides to eliminate weeds and ensure your crops receive the resources they need to thrive.
Plowing and Cultivating
The condition of your soil directly affects crop growth. Plowing or cultivating prepares the soil for planting, improving aeration and water retention. Some crops require plowing before planting for optimal growth, while others can be directly sown into cultivated soil. Ignoring this step can severely stunt growth and reduce yields.
Soil Testing and Lime
Maintaining the proper soil pH is also crucial. Soil testing reveals whether your soil is too acidic, requiring the application of lime to neutralize it. Correcting the soil pH ensures that your crops can effectively absorb nutrients, boosting their growth rate.
A Gardener’s Knowledge: Crop-Specific Growth Durations
Here are some common crops and their typical growth durations under normal conditions (default time scale, optimal fertilization, weed control, and soil preparation):
- Wheat/Barley: 3-5 in-game days
- Oats: 4-6 in-game days
- Canola: 5-7 in-game days
- Corn: 6-8 in-game days
- Soybeans: 7-9 in-game days
- Sunflowers: 6-8 in-game days
- Potatoes/Sugar Beets: 7-9 in-game days
- Cotton/Sugarcane: 8-12 in-game days (typically require multiple seasons)
- Grapes/Olives: These require even more patience and a dedicated setup, often spanning multiple seasons.
These durations are estimates, and the actual growth time can vary based on the factors discussed above. Consistent monitoring of your crops and timely interventions are key to optimizing their growth rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crop Growth in FS22
Here are some frequently asked questions concerning crop growth in Farming Simulator 22.
1. Why are my crops not growing?
Several reasons could be causing this. Ensure you’ve planted the crops during their appropriate growing season. Check if weeds are present, competing with your crops. Verify that you’ve fertilized adequately and that the soil pH is optimal. Finally, ensure the game’s time scale is not paused or set to an extremely slow speed.
2. How do I check the growth stage of my crops?
The easiest way is to open the in-game map and activate the “Growth” filter. This overlay will visually display the growth stage of all crops in your fields, allowing you to quickly assess their progress.
3. Can I speed up crop growth with mods?
Yes, numerous mods are available that can affect crop growth rates. Some mods introduce new fertilizers or equipment that boost growth, while others directly alter the game’s internal settings. Be cautious when using mods, as they can sometimes disrupt the game’s balance.
4. What is the best fertilizer for faster crop growth?
The “best” fertilizer depends on your budget and available resources. Mineral fertilizer is generally the most effective but can be expensive. Slurry and manure are cheaper alternatives if you have livestock, while digestate is a byproduct of biogas production. Experiment to find the most cost-effective solution for your farm.
5. How often should I fertilize my crops?
You can typically fertilize twice during the growing season: once before or immediately after planting, and again during the immature growth stage. Some players even apply a third dose for maximum effect, but diminishing returns may apply.
6. What happens if I miss the harvest window?
If you don’t harvest your crops before the end of their harvest window, they will begin to wither and eventually decay, resulting in a significant yield loss. Pay close attention to the in-game calendar and plan accordingly.
7. Do different crop varieties grow at different rates?
While FS22 doesn’t offer multiple varieties of the same crop with different growth rates, choosing different types of crops allows you to plan a diverse and strategic harvest schedule.
8. Does direct drilling affect crop growth time?
Direct drilling (planting directly into unplowed or uncultivated soil) is an option for some crops. It can save time and fuel but may result in slightly slower growth compared to planting into properly prepared soil, especially if weeds become a significant problem.
9. How do I use the soil testing feature?
Purchase a soil testing kit from the store and attach it to a tractor. Drive the tractor across your field to collect soil samples. The results will reveal the soil pH and the amount of lime needed.
10. Does the difficulty level affect crop growth time?
The difficulty level primarily affects the price of goods, the cost of equipment, and the amount of starting money you receive. It does not directly impact the growth rate of crops.
11. What are cover crops and do they affect the next harvest?
Cover crops, such as oilseed radish and grass, are planted to improve soil health. Plowing them under after they grow acts as green manure, enriching the soil and potentially boosting the growth rate of the subsequent crop. This is a good way to improve your long-term farming.
12. Can I automate crop growth?
While you can’t directly automate crop growth, you can automate many of the tasks that contribute to it, such as plowing, planting, fertilizing, and harvesting, using hired workers and Courseplay.
13. Is it possible to grow multiple crops per year on the same field?
Yes, with careful planning and the right crop selection, you can potentially harvest two or even three crops from the same field in a single in-game year, especially with faster-growing crops like wheat and barley.
14. How does precision farming affect crop growth in FS22?
The precision farming DLC enhances crop management by introducing soil maps and variable rate applications of fertilizer and lime. By targeting specific areas of your field based on their individual needs, you can optimize nutrient uptake and potentially improve overall crop growth and yield.
15. Where can I learn more about effective strategies for Farming Simulator games?
There are numerous online resources available, including forums, YouTube channels, and dedicated websites, offering tips and tricks for mastering Farming Simulator 22. You can also explore educational resources in gaming and learning at the Games Learning Society to understand the mechanics of the game in relation to other gaming experiences. Head over to GamesLearningSociety.org for more details.