how do I know what seeds to buy?

[James Carmichael]

I've bought a couple of sprouting jars and I'm egar to use them, but i was overhelmed by the amount of seeds and nuts on offer in my local stores. How on earth do I know what ones I can use in the jars and what ones I can't? I've already tried sprouting watermelon seeds this way with no luck whatsoever.

[MysticTree]

Hi James,

I am not familiar with the shops in Swansea (I lived near Merthyr for a while but never traveled further in your direction.

Basically, if you have a good wholefood shop, they should have a small selection of seeds that are specifically for sprouting. The "brand" I get in Bristol are called "Essential Organic". They do seeds for sprouting but also regular seeds for regular cooking etc. I sprout some of those too!

Easy ones to start with would be alfalfa, mung beans and lentils.

I have started a batch of rice today. It's the first time I have done rice and I am hoping that I got the right sort.

[streetsurfer]

There is a company in US, the sprout people. Their website breaks down sprouting very well and will tell you which seeds/beans work best with which sprouting methods, their characteristics, lengths of soak time and days to sprout, etc. Lots of good sprouting info there.

[James Carmichael]

Ok thanks. i've actually just ordered some Red Clover off the net and I'll see how they get on.