Yeah, so it's official. I have it and I've got it BAD! The gardening fever has affected me and it just keeps getting worse! Winter hasn't even gotten into full swing here in suburbia Colorado, but I want to plant stuff NOW!! I have my garden all planned and organized (maybe too much planning--just so I can spend time doing gardening related stuff), have seeds ordered and organized in a box according to when they will be seeded, and a spreadsheet that is alphabetized and ordered per plant according to planting times (another post will be following this on how to have an organized garden plan). All that being said, I just
want need to grow some stuff, so I ventured into another arena that I've been wanting to try-growing sprouts! I went to my local gardening center and voila! I have a sprouting system!
You can sprout seeds using just a mason jar and lid with holes punched through the top as well. I liked this 'package' deal because it came with three basket tiers that gave me the option to grow a little, or up to 4 lbs of sprouts at the same time! This came with the grocery store popular Alfalfa sprouts and I bought an extra package of 5-part salad mix. I also liked this because if it's not simple and manageable, I won't do it; this was SO EASY to do! I couldn't wait until the next morning, so I started my sprouts immediately. The first step is to soak your seeds in water for a specified amount of time. My Sprout Garden came with a handy-dandy growing chart with all of the popular sprouts on it and accompanying directions. After the soaking, the sprouts need to just be quickly rinsed a minimum of 2x/day for a few days. The last step is to set them in the sun for about a day so they can develop some chlorophyll (it's what makes 'em turn green), and that's it!
I started sprouting because I needed to grow something during the winter inside, but I actually DO like sprouts too! Did you know that they can help to improve your immune system? Not a bad idea for this flu season time of year. According to some sources, daily consumption of these have helped some women control hot flashes and supported hormone function. They are also excellent sources of protein, are rich in essential nutrients (Vitamins A/C/B1/B6/K) and minerals (iron, calcium, easy to digest (high fiber, low calorie), a great source of enzymes AND contain Omega 3 fatty acids (the good-for-you kind)! Just like everything else I have found so far, these taste MUCH better than the ones from the store. You can taste that it's fresher, but it also seems that you can tell that it's packed with more nutrition since it hasn't been processed and sitting for who knows how long.
I was amazed at how simple this was; I truly was apprehensive of getting myself into something that was a total pain. I got two gallon baggies full of sprouts with minimal effort on my part in 4 days (using only 2 baskets); AND it is satisfying that gardening/need-to-grow-something itch.....for now.
Good reminder; I used to do this myself back when you could NOT get these from your grocery. I will have to look for some seeds... were yours organic?
ReplyDeleteHi Charlotte-
DeleteThe kit I bought came with organic Alfalfa Sprout seeds! I bought another organic seed package at the garden center called "5-part salad mix." They are sooooo delicious! Are you considering starting sprouting again?
I've also tried sprouting, but alas, I ended up growing mold as well because I didn't pay attention to it after a while! Will be trying it again for my salads, and perhaps even for some chicken treats. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing on Farm Girl Blog Fest #15!
Oh, your chickens will be sooooo thrilled if you do!! I actually just started some separate seed for the girls that is an Omega 3 mix for them (and us)! I do hope you try sprouting again-it is really a great health advantage as well as TASTY! My kids, who wouldn't touch them otherwise, were eating them straight out of the bag by the handful!! P.S. I am VERY VERY excited to announce that I will also be hosting a GIVEAWAY soon related to sprouting, thatnks to contact with the manufacturer!!!!
ReplyDeleteA great way to ease our gardening souls over the winter. We gave kits to a couple of friends for the holidays. Radish sprout/peanut butter sandwiches are delicious! And it's gotta be healthy, right?
ReplyDeleteOf course it's healthy Kate!! I admit I have never tried this combination....guess who's going to experiment with lunch tomorrow!!
DeleteI hope beginners don't do what I did first time around. I thought my sprouts were growing mold no matter how many times I rinsed them so I threw them out. By accident I saw a post about "mold" growing on sprouts, telling folks to check first to be sure it was mold and not little feathery roots. Low and behold, "little feathery roots" were revealed by my magnifying glass.
ReplyDeleteI hope beginners don't do what I did first time around. I thought my sprouts were growing mold no matter how many times I rinsed them so I threw them out. By accident I saw a post about "mold" growing on sprouts, telling folks to check first to be sure it was mold and not little feathery roots. Low and behold, "little feathery roots" were revealed by my magnifying glass.
ReplyDeleteMarilee you are absolutely right!! The radish seeds especially will develop little hairy roots that look very much like mold! The difference is that the hairy roots will look pretty uniform along each stem; if you picture mold that you've seen, it will hang out more on top where bacteria is growing-and it will be more random as well. Double check before ditching your sprouts!! As long as you are rinsing most seeds at least twice a day, your sprouts will turn out perfectly!!
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