How to Grow Sprouts

article image
PHOTO: MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF
Two things you'll need when you're learning how to grow sprout are a glass jar and some sort of strainer to cover it.

Just in case you’ve wanted to know how to grow sprouts but have never tried, here’s a quick refresher course in the basic technique.

The most common method of germinating seeds for the table requires a wide-mouthed quart jar. Measure about 1/2 cup of dry beans, or 2 to 3 tablespoons of tiny seeds, into the glass container, and then half-fill it with water. You’ll need to fit some kind of sieve over the jar to allow water — but not seeds — to pass through. It’s possible to use a piece of cheesecloth or old nylon stocking with a rubber band around the rim to hold it securely, or to buy a screw-on ring with stainless or plastic mesh already attached. (The screened lids come with various sizes of holes to accommodate many different types of seeds. They’re available in any health food store.)

Let the seeds soak overnight, and then pour off the water … which will probably have clouded up just a bit. (That liquid, by the way, makes a wonderful fertilizer for your houseplants, since it’s loaded with minerals that were leached away from the seeds.) Rinse the kernels with cool, fresh water, and lay the jar on its side in a dark place to drain.

Remember that germinating seeds need both air circulation and moisture, so make sure your sprouts-to-be have plenty of each. If you place the jar in a cabinet, leave the door slightly open. Rinse the seeds two or three times daily … making sure that you completely pour off all the water in the jar each time, since the seeds will easily ferment if they remain soaked.

The sprouting kernels are also sensitive to heat (they’re quite difficult to grow in extremely hot and humid weather) and cold: Some varieties may not even germinate when your house gets overly chilly on winter nights. (If this becomes a problem, you can wrap the sprouting jar in a towel or flannel shirt and place it near a burning light bulb.)

  • Published on Jul 5, 2012
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368