Sprouting

[Sar]

I know this isn't much about gardening or lanscaping, but I was wondering if anyone does Sprouting?

I have a packet of Alfalfa seeds waiting for me to start, but I just haven't managed to get around to it yet!

They are pretty easy to do (so I was told by the kind lady at my Community Garden Centre) but it does seem like a lot of work washing them daily etc!

Does anyone have any hints and tips, or do any of you fancy trying it out with me? :)

[neetanddave]

I have a sprouter that I bought at Walmart in the garden section. It has three sections and a lid. Was about $10 US a few years ago.

Top section is where you pour in the warm water, and it has a small drip hole to allow water to pass to the next section. Middle section is where you put the seeds, and has perforations in the bottom for water drainage. Bottom section holds the water that has drained off. Kind of like a little greenhouse.

I just empty the old water from the bottom and add new every day. After about 3-5 days (depending on the weather) I have fresh sprouts! :blobyellow:

They also sell a mix of sprout seeds that has several kinds mixed together: alfalfa, radish, etc.

[Sar]

Thanks! :)

I didn't realise that you could actually buy a Sprouter! The lady at the garden centre just told me to use an old coffee jar with muslin on the top! I think I'll have to do a goodle to see if I can buy one in the UK! :)

How do the sprouts taste? Are Chinese Bean Sprouts just the same?

Sorry for all the questions, newbie to sprouting! :blushing: )

[neetanddave]

Thanks! :)

How do the sprouts taste? Are Chinese Bean Sprouts just the same?



The alfalfa ones are good. The radish ones are spicy (just like radishes), the broccoli ones are good too. You can really tell a difference between the types. I use them in salads, on sandwiches, and even sprinkled on top of soups for garnishes.

[Sar]

The alfalfa ones are good. The radish ones are spicy (just like radishes), the broccoli ones are good too. You can really tell a difference between the types. I use them in salads, on sandwiches, and even sprinkled on top of soups for garnishes.

I'm quite excited to give them a go now! :)

I take it you can use the regular raddish and broccoli seeds, as I still have some left over and don't want them to go to waste?

[Anne]

I heard that broccoli sprouts are about the healtiest possible thing to eat. It has all the good things that broccoli has, only much much more condensed. I buy sprouts from time to time, but usually bean sprouts, using them for the occasional stirfry.

[Sar]

I'll give broccoli a try then! Healthy is always good! :)

I might start some today and I'll let you all know how it goes (even though it will be in a coffee jar!)

[Notsogreenthumb]

I am going to have to try to grow sprouts. I didn't know there were so many different kinds!! Sounds tasty!!

[neetanddave]

Well Sar, it's been a few days. Do you have any sprouts yet?

[neetanddave]

Well, an 8 month old thread, and I have a UPDATE!!! I broke out my sprouter for the spring, and took a few pics of my first batch.

The sprouter, from Walmart. Made my NK Gardening in Chattanooga TV, $12 US. The sprouts you see are on day 3, will be ready for eating tomorrow. :D
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/123nkh/Apr14376.jpg

The seeds, NK Garden as well from Walmart. This was about $3US and I've sprouted at least 30 flats from them, and still have over half the pack to go. And they are several years old, so they apparently don't go bad.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/123nkh/Apr14377.jpg

[CactusLady]

:blobyellow: :blobyellow: wow they look really good....yummy.....now is it worth it for one person - DH is not a sprout eating type o guy :lol2:

[neetanddave]

The sprouter I have has 3 sections, so you can make as few or many as you want.

Plus, the seed mix was SOOOO inexpensive, I can afford to just toss the leftovers to the birds.

[CactusLady]

The sprouter I have has 3 sections, so you can make as few or many as you want.

Plus, the seed mix was SOOOO inexpensive, I can afford to just toss the leftovers to the birds.


oo yes, thats a good idea - the birdies would love those :SmilieDaisy: might investigate a 'sprouter' then