John Myers
Tender cotyledons are considered a true superfood because they are rich in vitamins and minerals. They also taste fantastic on their own on bread and butter. This basic knowledge offers the perfect basis for anyone who wants to grow sprouts themselves.
Non-slimming seeds
Sprouts are easy to grow yourself. Since the seed germinates quickly, you should only touch it with thoroughly cleaned hands. Rinse the seeds with fresh water. A colander is suitable for this step. Storage in a water bath increases germination success. How long you should let your plant seeds swell depends on the strain. This process can take between four and twelve hours.
After the preparations
Place the prepared material in a germination jar, spread it out on the tiers of a germination tower, or use a simple tray. A bright location without direct sun ensures an optimal basis for successful germination. As a rule, the grains are rinsed daily or sprayed with water once or twice. Depending on the type of seed, the germination time is two to ten days. You can freeze the sprouts or eat them straight away.
Slime-forming seeds
After swelling, some seeds themselves produce a mucous membrane that retains moisture. This effect is used for better germination and occurs with a rocket or cress. To prevent the grains from rotting, you should line a shallow bowl with germ fleece and sprinkle the seeds on it.
Method:
- select damaged seeds
- Water seeds only briefly
- Store the bowl at a maximum of 22 degrees and cover it with foil
- Spray with water daily until germination
- Remove covers once a day to ventilate
Why seeds don’t sprout
If the seeds are stored too close together in the germination container, they will not get enough air and light. Such defects can adversely affect the germination result. Improper watering has the same effect. Plant seeds usually need a temperature between 18 and 22 degrees. If the thermometer rises or falls, growth stagnates. Inform yourself about the respective seed to avoid mistakes.
Which helps against mold growth
Moisture and warm temperatures favor the growth of unwanted mold. Due to their fluffy and white flaky appearance, a mold infestation in the early stages can easily be confused with fine fibrous roots. Musty earth smells provide information about the spread of the fungus. This finds optimal growth conditions on insufficiently washed seeds. Thorough hygiene is the most important preventive measure. Keep the germinator clean. Make sure that the seeds can drain well and are not wet.
