How To Grow Sprouts Indoors

Sprouts are simply seeds in their initial growth stage after germination. They're extremely easy to grow, and they pack an impressive nutritional punch. Some varieties can go from seed to plate in just 5 days! When it's cold out and nothing is happening in the garden, sprouts are a great way to get fresh greens.

Sprouts need a small amount of daily attention, but it's not much compared to the reward. Growing sprouts at home is healthier and significantly more cost-effective than purchasing them from grocery stores.

The first step in the sprouting journey is getting seeds - make sure they're specifically labeled as 'sprouting seeds.' You'll find numerous varieties offering different flavor profiles, from mild to zesty. While all sprouts provide fresh nutrition, their tastes can range from subtle or slightly bitter to spicy.

How to Grow Sprouts Indoors

The setup for growing sprouts is remarkably simple once you have your seeds. You can begin with something as basic as a mason jar. Remember - in nature, these are just seeds that fall from plants and manage to grow on their own. So, there's no need to overcomplicate the process or worry too much about getting it perfect. Here are the simple steps to follow:

1. Place approximately 2 or 3 tablespoons of seeds in a jar.
2. Add a cup or two of water and give it a gentle swirl.
3. Let them soak for 6-8 hours or overnight.
4. Secure either a screen or cheesecloth over the jar's opening using an elastic band - this allows for easy draining while keeping the seeds contained. A small sieve can also be used as your draining tool.
5. After soaking, drain the seeds thoroughly, add fresh water for a quick rinse, swirl gently, and drain once more.
6. Position the jar at a slight angle. This allows excess water to drain completely and prevents water from accumulating at the bottom.
7. Store the jar in a dark place. Darkness is essential during the pre-sprouting phase. You can store the container in a cabinet, but there's a risk of forgetting about it - as they say, "out of sight, out of mind." For beginners, it's recommended to keep the jar on your counter and cover it with a dark, thick cloth or towel to ensure regular monitoring.
8. Rinse and drain the seeds twice daily - morning and evening. Once tiny sprouts emerge you can expose them to light. This mimics nature's process: seeds naturally sprout in dark, moist soil before reaching toward sunlight.
9. Continue the twice-daily rinsing routine for approximately 3 to 5 days. At the end of 5 days, you'll have a jar brimming with lush green sprouts ready for eating. (For those who prefer white sprouts, keep the sprouts in darkness after each rinse.)
10. Any surplus sprouts can be refrigerated for several days as long as they're well-drained first.
11. To ensure a continuous supply, you can keep multiple containers at different growth stages.

Troubleshooting Tips

Growing sprouts in a jar is a rewarding process, but it can sometimes present challenges. 

• Mold growth - If you notice fuzzy patches, rinse your sprouts more frequently (2-3 times daily) and ensure proper drainage to prevent excess moisture.
• Slow germination - Soak your seeds longer to start (8-12 hours) and maintain a consistent temperature around 70°F (21°C). 3)
• Bitter taste - Harvest your sprouts earlier. The best time is when the leaves are still small and pale green. Over-mature sprouts can turn bitter.
• Weak or yellowing sprouts - Provide indirect sunlight for a few hours daily once leaves appear to encourage chlorophyll production.