Sprouter

[Afton]

I was looking into buying a sprouter (for wheatgrass etc..) do any of y'all have a favorite? I'm starting my 30 day challenge!

[Aleesha Sattva]

I have a little round one. Can't remember the name in this moment... but Mr. Sproutarian will be able to give you some good info. Do a little search of his posts and you'll find a LOT of info within!

[MysticTree]

I was looking into buying a sprouter (for wheatgrass etc..) do any of y'all have a favorite? I'm starting my 30 day challenge!

Really all you need is a seed tray or even an insert from an old electric steamer. You can use soil if you want or just a bit of towelling, baby blanket or another fabric that holds water reasonably but doesn't water log.

You DON'T have to buy a specific product that is expensive and says "wheat grass growing system" on the box. You can even grow it direct outside in the garden if you have one or in window boxes - inside or outside.

[walnutty]

Really all you need is a seed tray or even an insert from an old electric steamer.


Hey Georgina!

Are you referring to an electric vegetable steamer? Cuz I have one of those just collecting dust in my storage!

How would it work?

Thanks!

[MysticTree]

Hey Georgina!

Are you referring to an electric vegetable steamer? Cuz I have one of those just collecting dust in my storage!

How would it work?

Thanks!

Yes that's the thing I mean. The trays in my old one are a rigid plastic but they come in metal too. The holes in the bottom allow drainage and when I use mine for wheat grass I just use a bit of old towelling or baby blanket in the bottom. Cut this to shape (the only annoying part of the whole thing) wet the fabric, sprinkle on soaked wheat berries, and water and drain as per normal. My steamer trays sit happily on a large oval plate or just sit on a table outside that I don't need to protect. You can also use soil in them if you want to grow sunflower greens.

It will depend on whether the trays in your steamer are removable. Mine are but I have seen fixed ones too. Let me know how you get on.

[walnutty]

Wow! Awesome! I didn't realize it was so easy. I thought you had to plant them.

[MysticTree]

they sit happily on the surface of any growing medium but you could sow them in soil if you wanted :)

[Raw Angel Mom]

Do you add dirt Georgina??? or you use only the blanket

[MysticTree]

I have used both in the steamer trays; that is to say just blanket or just soil but not both at once. I put a little paper or similar in the base if I use soil because it stops it washing out through the holes. Mostly now I sow directly outside in the vegetable beds. It works well and I give the second growings to the hens.

[walnutty]

What is the best wheat to use from sprouting, please?

[MysticTree]

I use whole untreated,organic, wheat from the health food shop

[walnutty]

I use whole untreated,organic, wheat from the health food shop

Oh, yes, organic wheat for sure! BUT there are so many kinds at Whole Foods (bulk bins). For example, winter wheat, soft wheat, red wheat, etc., etc.

Does it not matter what kind?

Thanks! Ü

[MysticTree]

I don't think it matters for sprouting. Mostly it refers to the level of gluten in the grain.

[walnutty]

Okay, thanks!

[Living Food]

The best is hard red winter wheat, then hard spring wheat, then soft spring wheat.

[MysticTree]

But local trumps all right ;)

[Living Food]

Indeed.

Even better is local and wild - I'm working on collecting wild rye seed, although the seeds are still completely green and unripe right now. I collected some, then I'll collect the rest after they're mature and see if there is a difference in the germination rate after all.

[MysticTree]

be careful of ergot poisoning.

[Living Food]

Thanks for the warning. I'll soak the seeds in diluted hydrogen peroxide.

[walnutty]

The best is hard red winter wheat, then hard spring wheat, then soft spring wheat.

Thanks, that helps a bunch!