Growing easy alfalfa

[kaleboy]

Well I wanted to start growing my own alfalfa so I googled and googled and everyone sais to use a jar and a cheesecloth for the top with an elastic band to hold it on. The end result is a tangled mess and a smelly product that doesn't get much air that you eventually have to take out and refrigerate.

So I thought how hard can it be to grow these little suckers. So what you do is just soak the seeds overnight in a bowl of filtered water then drain the water and put the seeds onto a small plate/saucer. Then every morning and evening you add water to them and drain it off so it is just moist. In the first few days when you're draining you just have to put your finger there to stop the seeds running off which is no big deal but after a few days you wont have to do this as it becomes one mass...enjoy :)

note also I didn't hide them away in a dark place, just left them out on the bench and they were fine.


http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx343/scooter777/Alfalfa003.jpg

[modernmonkey]

Oh yeah, I forgot the seeds on a moist tissue works too. They even taught us that in school! Thanks for the reminder.

[scyn]

Good post. Sometimes people get freaked out at the idea of sprouting - thinking it's complicated or requires fancy equipment. Just let nature do it's thing and hey - presto!

[kaleboy]

I was thinking about putting tissue down but I'm pretty sure they are packed with chemicals for whitening etc so just went without...

[modernmonkey]

I was thinking about putting tissue down but I'm pretty sure they are packed with chemicals for whitening etc so just went without...

Good point.... good thinking!

Guess this would be an inappropriate suggestion too. ;)

http://www.greatgrubclub.com/domains/greatgrubclub.com/local/media/images/medium/eggheads_step1_cressegg2.jpg

[kaleboy]

could work...:)

[Stina]

Do you cut the top off when you harvest?

[streetsurfer]

I only learned this just the other day...was reading about pea shoots or something.

A light weight like a saucer, placed on the seeds will cause them to grow straight upward....all lined up rather than in a spaghetti mess.

[RawBogan]

I have about 5 easy sprout containers I use for sprouting alfalfa, broccoli, lentils, buckwheat etc. They make it so easy it's almost impossible to explain. Cost a bit but seeing as they'll last the rest of my life it's worth it. Each action of rinsing/ draining / putting in the fridge only takes a few seconds so I find I am MUCH more inclined to be sprouting everyday which is a big plus.

I'm led to believe broc sprouts are more nutritious than alfalfa so I do a tblspn of each together and they compliment each other really well.

[DebB]

It's interesting seeing how everyone likes to sprout. I've always sprouted in quart and half gallon mason jars with sprouting lids and have 100% success rate. But then, I live in the desert, so quite low humidity. I usually have 4-5 jars going every day. We love our sprouts! (I juice them too) *Ü*

[kaleboy]

na I dont cut them just break away what you need, they grow straight up to the light...

[levamssg]

I have several easy sprout containers too ... so easy, and when ready, I rinse, drain really well, then put the top on and can use the same container to store them in the fridge if necessary.

I have limited counter (bench) space, so one nice thing about the easy sprout is the small footprint, and I can stack one on top of the other and grow twice as many in the same space!

Gotta Love Those Sprouts!!!