Does anyone grow their own sprouts?

Hi folks,

I wasn't sure where to ask this question; I figured it was either here or the gardening group.

As a kid, I had a sprout kit that was simply a Mason jar with a mesh screen in the lid. I used to have fun growing my own sprouts. They were great in salads or on sandwiches.

I didn't realize the health benefits of sprouts at the time. I have recently become interested in improving my diet, and I would like to start sprouting again. However, there is a lot of information out there, and some of it is conflicting. Some people sprout in simple plastic containers (such as Gladware), while others say never to use plastic, because the nasty chemicals can leach out. Some suggest bamboo baskets, but I'm not sure where to get those (craft stores maybe?). Others suggest using the Mason jars and purchasing some tulle from a fabric store to use as a screen.

That seems reasonable, but then some sites offer (relatively) expensive sprouting kits. Are these necessary? I would appreciate anyone sharing their sprouting knowledge.

I bought a mason jar with 3 tops (of various size holes screens). I got it a my local organic grocery. It works fairly well, though you can only sprout one type at a time. If you want multiple sprouts, you may want to get one of the larger tray set-ups.

I was a kid at the time, chief officer in charge of bag-labeling.

We used large condiment jars bummed from local restaurants (lay them on their sides) and squares of plastic screens rubber-banded to the mouths of the jars. Super-easy.

Good luck!

with a piece of old stocking over the top, secured with a rubber band.

Other people grew them between layers of wet paper towels, but I found a lot of sprouts clung to the towels with a death grip.

I grew mung and alfalfa sprouts, sometimes with radish or sunflower tossed in. Just be sure to rinse frequently so that mold doesn't have a chance to take hold.

I just put them in a bowl with some water and rinse them once a day... it's super easy.

I sprouted mung and adzuki beans, but it's been a long time.

It's fun to watch them grow. If you think you don't have a green thumb it'll give you a boost of confidence.

and just about any type of container will work.

I searched the Delphi forums last night, and I came across a post in the fibromyalgia group regarding the importance of buying the proper grade seed and making sure to clean the container with a dilute bleach solution between batches (in order to avoid food-borne illness).

I will just start small before I decide whether or not to make a big investment.

Thanks all !