Growing sprouts in a Mason jar

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My daughter was required to do a presentation which included an experiment using plants for school and of course her mother directed her to me.  Given there was not a lot of time until the presentation I suggested that she grows sprouts, given you can go from seeds to a jar full of sprouts in less than a week.

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You really can grow sprouts in almost anything.  We chose a mason jar, though plastic storage containers, trays, or even fabric bags (just drip in water and hang)

The important thing is to provide plenty of airflow, if you don’t your seeds will produce an awful stank that you won’t want in your house let alone eat.  We used a piece of an old pair of leggings, which we stretched over the opening of the jar and applied the mason jar ring….well that’s about it.

How to Grow Sprouts

The process starts with seed selection.  You can grow any seed as a sprout though you may not want to eat them.  Cilantro is a good example it will grow great but the root of a cilantro/yellow mustard sprouts are very potent so use with cooking, not raw.  Some good suggestions are alfalfa, broccoli, buckwheat, cabbage, chickpea, garlic, lentil, oats, yellow mustard, peas, onion, radish, sunflower, fennel, arugula, pink kale, fenugreek, wheat, or wheatgrass.  In our case my daughter wanted to determine how quickly and big seeds grew depending on the initial size, so I gave her a several different types of seeds for her experiment.

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Take about a tablespoon of seeds and soak in room temperature water with a couple drops of liquid fertilizer overnight.

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In the morning drain, rinse and let sit out of direct sunlight.  Repeat the drain/rinse process once a day (twice a day if your sprouts begin to smell)  During the first couple days it is advisable to shake and/or roll the jar on its side to allow the seeds to spread out a little.  Doing this simple procedure within about a week you should have a jar full of fresh healthy sprouts.

Why grow sprouts?

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Fun: Great for kids with limited attention spans.  Within a day or two they can see their seeds sprout growing more and more each day.  It is also a great way to keep your sanity during those long winter months.

Cheap: For mere pennies you can grow pounds of greens.

Nutritious: These little sprouts pack a ton of nutrients for their little size.

Easy: The process is pretty fool proof, just rinse with water, set them on your counter, and eat.  What could be easier

8 Responses to “Growing sprouts in a Mason jar”

  1. BJ Says:

    Great post, thanks! Quick question though- how long can you store the sprouts or do you have any storage tips? I'm assuming they'd keep about a week in the fridge, is that close?


  2. Robj98168 Says:

    You cant dtore sprouts for a great deal of time BJ- I usually store them for no more than 4 days i n the fridge. Simply put the jar in the fridge with an airtight sealCVG- You forgot, sprouts are a great way to garden when you have no space! Great for apartment dwellers.


  3. Red Icculus Says:

    Because of this post, I just started a huge jar of soft white wheat sprouts. I used to have 3 jars going so I could have one every other day.


  4. Matron Says:

    I love growing sprouts! Most often I grow alfalfa, mung beans and fenugreek seeds.


  5. Mason Jar Sprouting « FELTEN, AMONG Says:

    […] If you are interested in growing your own, check out this site. […]


  6. HomeTown Seeds: 3-Tray Kitchen Seed Sprouter Review and Giveaway Says:

    […] year I played with sprouting seeds in a mason jar to hold me and the kids over during the winter until it was time to start growing for the following […]


  7. Larry Says:

    I have tried mung beans and several other sprouts and they smell putred. What am I doing wrong?


  8. Teaching children patience with gardening - The Cheap Vegetable Gardener Says:

    […] in a Jar: I have a complete post on this topic, but the process is pretty simple.  Get a mason jar and add some seeds.  Rinse, drain and […]


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