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Garden Gate:  Do You Grow Sprouts at Home?  |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
942 Posts
Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6944 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6944 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 17 2014 : 3:42:28 PM
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I grew sprouts for a merit badge. Liked the radish best. Would like to try watercress if I can find seeds for sprouts. There are several suppliers that offer seeds just for sprouting. A sample of seeds from a large lot is tested for foodborne pathogens. Not a sure thing but better odds than using garden seeds.
Botanical Interests offers sprouting seeds.
http://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/view/7801/Sprouts-Alfalfa-Organic-Seeds-LG/srch:seeds%20to%20sprout
Sara
Walk in Peace - Live with Joy
FarmGirl Sister #6034 Aug 25, 2014 |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2881 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2881 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2014 : 4:38:36 PM
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I have grown them but fell out of the habit.
I have a huge variety from a sample pack; I think it may have been from sprout people.
I may start some tonight. I have been craving fresh greens
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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Pizzarita
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Rita
Monroeville
NJ
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2014 : 8:21:29 PM
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I think I would like to try to grow sprouts. How do you enjoy eating them? I know some put them in salads. I love greens and vegetables of all kinds so I may give them a try. Any special growing tips?
Rita
Farmgirl Sister #6110 |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2014 : 05:51:50 AM
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I sprout a general mix that has a variety of seeds. If I don't put them on salads or sandwiches, I put them in my Vitamix when I make juices. If I get busy and forget about them and they get kinda yucky, I feed them to the chickens. They don't mind yucky.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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Simply Satisfied
True Blue Farmgirl
427 Posts
Emily
Montana
USA
427 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2014 : 06:00:38 AM
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Our favorites are a alfalfa, broccoli, radish blend and lentils. We use them in salads and instead of lettuce on sandwiches. We love them.
Emily
Farmgirl # 3591 |
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Pizzarita
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Rita
Monroeville
NJ
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2014 : 8:18:56 PM
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Just looked online about how to grow sprouts. Sounds like when you grow them in a mason jar they need rinsing several times a day and then you have to move them around to get the right amount of light and darkness. Do you girls grow them this way-seems like they need a lot of care? I will have to do a little more research to check out other ways of sprout growing.
Rita
Farmgirl Sister #6110 |
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csmartyonline
True Blue Farmgirl
247 Posts
Carole
Clarksville
TN
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2014 : 12:09:47 AM
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| I've grown them like that. Now I use a sprouter. You do have to rinse them a few times a day to begin with, but it isn't that difficult. |
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Pizzarita
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Rita
Monroeville
NJ
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2014 : 05:53:26 AM
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Thanks Carole. I'm sure the effort is worth it. I can bring my garden indoors for the winter and have fresh greens (sprouts). The info also said to make sure you get sprouting seeds instead or just regular garden seeds to reduce pathogens - like Sara was talking about. Probably best to order online?
Rita
Farmgirl Sister #6110 |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16383 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16383 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2014 : 07:05:44 AM
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Yes, it's easy to call yourself a kitchen sink farmer. I let mine soak in water in a covered glass bowl overnight. Then I rinse them using a colander. Afterward, I put them back in the covered bowl (a see-through glass plate works good) and leave them on my counter where they're super handy and I can rinse them several times/day using the colander and continue to sprout them right there.
They turn out perfect. Once they're sprouted, I store them in the fridge. If I want them to last a long time, I also rinse them once I've started to refrigerate them.
I've found that if I make it too complicated or I put them in a dark place, I might forget about them. The way I do it is almost as easy as going to the sink for a glass of water. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a combo, sometimes just radish or maybe broccoli.
Love your tip Catherine for giving older sprouts to chickens, especially in the winter.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Pizzarita
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Rita
Monroeville
NJ
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2014 : 1:28:16 PM
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Thanks for the tips. I am so excited about trying this-opens up a whole new growing season for me. I was extra lucky today-stopped at a local thrift shop and found lids with holes that fit mason jars. I think I will order seeds today and start small. I like the idea of storing in the frig, MaryJane. Any thing to make life less complicated!
Rita
Farmgirl Sister #6110 |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2014 : 4:27:00 PM
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Rita, to your question about using jar and the effort of 'following the light'....There are a variety of methods. Once, I tried one sprouter that had a series of 7 cups with holes that had to be rotated. Omg, way too much trouble. I tried other plastic type sprouters and didn't really like them. I ended up going back to the first way I ever sprouted...in a qt size wide mouth Mason Jar with a piece of netting rubber-banded around the top.
I like using glass over plastic containers. The glass jar can be sterilized and plastic, not so much.
I put about a tablespoon of seeds in the jar. Band the netting on top. Put about a cup of water in the jar. You want at least enough to cover them. If you're concerned about the chemicals and additives in your tap water, you can use spring or distilled. We have our own well, so I use our regular well water out of the faucet.
Then you'll go through a series of rinsing and pouring out the water over a couple days. The netting on the top stays banded throughout the whole process. In the end, the sprouts will be a knotted mess and not look like the cute boxes in the grocery store but they'll be yummy.
As far as 'following the light'...you really don't have to. Seeds are gonna sprout whether in the dark or light. Plus, who needs that much work? Way too complicated! Like MJ said, make it easy like going to the sink for a glass of water. My jar stays on the window sill above my sink during the days of rinsing and sprouting. Then the jar goes in the fridge.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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Pizzarita
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Rita
Monroeville
NJ
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Dec 29 2014 : 7:23:09 PM
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Thanks Catherine. I ordered some sprouts and can't wait to get started. We got a mix and also a small sample packet for my large parrot. I think she will enjoy picking at the sprouts and it will give her nutrition as well. I think I am going to love this type of gardening.
Rita
Farmgirl Sister #6110 |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2881 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2881 Posts |
Posted - Dec 29 2014 : 8:36:33 PM
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I have vowed not to grocery shop all of January. It will be easy enough, except for the fresh produce.
Soo, I started a big batch of sprouts today, and bought a boatload of cabbage, which will keep, and allow for the occasional slaw.
But can't wait for some fresh sprouts!
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
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Pizzarita
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Rita
Monroeville
NJ
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Jan 03 2015 : 09:57:33 AM
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2 bags of sprout seeds arrived yesterday and I started them today! I'm sure they will do just fine-you girls have given me a lot of help. Thanks
Rita
Farmgirl Sister #6110 |
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Garden Gate: Do You Grow Sprouts at Home? |
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Do You Grow Sprouts at Home?
