Sprouting seeds

[tt5200]

I have been trying to grow sprouting seeds without success. The packet says to keep in the dark but also that you can grow them on the window sill. I have tried them in the airing cupboard but I think it was too hot for them. I still have nothing after a week. Help!!

[Jugglering]

I assume you mean stuff like bean sprouts or alfalfa seeds ? Where did you get the beans/sprouts from ? If they are just off the supermarket shelf, then they may be too old to sprout - I always buy mine from specialist suppliers (they will be called sprouting beans etc) or the garden centre. Did you soak the beans/seeds first ? You have to keep the seeds damp (pour fresh water over them daily and let the water drain off). If they are on a cold windowsill they may be affected by the cold and not sprout. Bean sprouts (from mung beans) do better in the dark - otherwise they turn green. They should start to sprout within a week though....some are quicker than others.

If you didn't soak them first and keep them damp, then you won't have any success !

[TYVM]

Hmmm... Try a foot long of toilet tissue or kitchen roll & double it up till its a small square about 3x3 inches. Put in a saucer & pour enough to saturate the paper but not fill the saucer. Place another saucer on top & put in dark warmish place like the top of your fridge(exterior obviously) & in 2 days theyll sprout but dont let the paper dry out & crisp keep it slightly damp.

[tt5200]

Hi, Thanks for the help, I think that they have been drying out between times. It seemed difficult to rinse them with water and keep them in the jar. I got them from a garden centre. I will try the paper towel method.
Cheers.

[Jugglering]

I have a bean sprouter - looks a little like this - made of plastic so it's easy to clean and it has little perforations in the base so the rinsing water can drain out. You could use a foil tray (the sort that ready meals come in) and just punch some holes in the base with a fork, then line it with some kitchen paper, place inside another foil tray so that the water has something to drain into and just pour a cup of water over the sprouts every morning or night.

[tt5200]

WOW That's a great idea it would make things so much easier. I like the special grower that you are using if I like them after I have eventually managed to grow them I may consider getting one too. I didn't know such a thing existed. Thanks for your help. Greatly appreciated.