Help on Sprout gardening?

**marianne98** · 02-05-2011, 10:06 AM

Hi, my kids seem to like sprouts from Trader Joes...i was thinking of starting a sprout garden...can anyone tell me a frugal way of doing this. I found Burpee has a sprouter for 30 dollars but i'm not sure i want to make this investment. Also do you know of any place that has seeds at a reasonable price? Thanks for any help.

Sincerely,
Marianne

**Missy** · 02-05-2011, 10:27 AM

I get a lot of my sprouting seeds form the bulk bins at the natural foods store....mung beans, lentils, peas, etc.

I don't use a sprouter either. I use a mason jar, a piece of toile from the ctaft section at walmart, and a mason jar ring. I put the seeds in the jar, put the toile on top and then secure with the ring. Then I add water swirl the jar a little and set on the counter. Drain through the toile and replace with fresh water twice a day. When sprouts are at desired length, enjoy. Because of scares of salmonella (sp) and such, inspect the sprouts for molds, and make sure the jar you use and the toille is clean before you start. Clean them in very hot water before you get started.

**zakity** · 02-05-2011, 09:05 PM

I have heard of the mason jar method.

**HappyMama** · 02-06-2011, 11:21 AM

I do mine with the mason jar method as well, there are many videos if you need. I add a drop of grapefruit seed extract to make sure I don't get any yukies in the sprouts, change the water daily.

**RaineyDaye** · 02-06-2011, 12:14 PM

I've used the mason jar method, and used the fine mesh bags from produce (such as onions or oranges) for the strainer. I cut 2 or 3 circles of mesh several inches larger then the rings of the mason jar lids. Then I stack these on top of the jar so that the mesh doesn't line up in each layer, making a very fine screen to keep the seeds/sprouts from falling out during the draining process. Then screw the rings onto the jar over the mesh to keep it in place.

**zakity** · 02-06-2011, 03:10 PM

They actually sell "mesh" disks to stick in your canning jar at Whole Foods or Nature's or whatever they call that store now.

**Ramona** · 02-06-2011, 06:01 PM

If you don't have access to bulk bins as suggested by Missy, here are Amazon's sprout mixes and I only linked to the "Eligible For Free Super Saver Shipping":

Amazon.com: sprout seed mix - Grocery & Gourmet Food