help please--sprouting issues

[myssi]

I am VERY new to all of this and just tried sprouting for the first time. I tried sprouting mung beans and just kept them in a colander by the sink. My problem is they started looking kinda dried up and purplish a few days in, even though I rinse them several times a day. I'm thinking the problem may be that I keep my apartment about 80 degrees (I'm in denial of the Minnesota winter) and it may be too warm and dry in here--or that may be totally wrong. I'm not sure what else it could be though. . .any suggestions?


Thanks
Myssi

[happy_kauai]

I've heard that sprouts do best in a glass jar. They sell sprouting jars with mesh lids for easy rinsing, or I've heard you could just use a regular glass jar with panty hose or cheese cloth secured on top. Maybe this would help your seeds keep enough moisture to prevent them from drying out.

[exurb]

give them a good soaking first. For mung beans I soak them overnight before beginning the rinsing process.

ditto the jar, the colander was probably too open and they dry up too easily.

[myssi]

I bought a mesh screen today that fits over a mason jar so I'll try that method. Thanks for the advice!

[DavidZaneMason]

I think you've got it! All you can do - is all you can do! Ha! ha! Keep those babies hydrated with cool water (frequent rinsings)...and keep them in a cool spot. If your apartment / home is too warm (generally)...then simply leave the sprout jar half-submerged in a sink of cool water. This will keep the ambient temperature in the jar down well below room temperature. Keep covered in mesh...and out of direct sunlight. :)

-David Mason