Easy Plant Experiements with Sprouts

Try easy plant experiments with sprouts. When the seeds start to emerge, you generally can see a small plant starting to grow. This is called a sprout. Some of these sprouts can be grown specifically for eating. Sprouts are healthy and can be used on sandwiches and in salads. They can be thrown in stir-frys too. This is an easy garden experiment for kid gardeners who might not yet want to get their hands dirty in the garden.

How do you grow sprouts?
There are many commercial sprouters available. Many of these are effective in growing sprouts. But you can make your own with a wide-mouth jar (like those ones that pasta sauces come in) and a fine-mesh netting, such as pantyhose. Put the seeds that you are going to sprout in the jar. Put enough water to cover the sprout seeds. Place the netting over the opening of the jar. Hold in place with a rubber band. Place the jar in a dark but warm (no more than room temperature) spot.

Be sure to rinse the seeds a few times a day until they sprout. This helps them grow and avoid any spoilage, bacteria and rot. You can eat the sprouts when they are about one to two inches tall. To rinse the sprout seeds, fill the jar with a little water, shake gently, then tip over the jar into the sink. Be sure the mesh netting stays on. This will prevent the sprout seeds from falling out into the sink. Drain as much water as you can from the jar and add a little more water to cover the seeds again. You may have to stop rinsing once the seeds have started to sprout to be sure that all seeds have sprouted.

Experiment time
How long does it take for your sprouts to sprout? Make a list of the time it takes for each sprout to grow. You can make different jars each with different sprouts. Once you know the time, perhaps you can take another separate jar and mix a variety of sprout seeds to see if you can guess which sprouts were which by time. There isn't much limit to the experiments you can make with sprout seeds. Plus, you get to eat them too.

Eating the sprouts
You should really cook the sprouts. This helps to kill any bacteria that may be on the sprouts. They can be cooked quickly. Boil some water. While you are waiting for the water to boil, fill another bowl with ice and enough water to cover the ice. This is called an ice bath. Once the water boils, place your sprouts in the water. Cook for only a few minutes, then scoop out the sprouts as quickly (and safely) as you can with a slotted spoon or small strainer. Put the sprouts into the ice bath. This will stop cooking. Leave in the ice bath for 30 seconds or so, then rinse and drain the sprouts using a strainer or colander. Place the sprouts between a few paper towels to dry. Now you can enjoy your sprouts. Sprouts will last a few days in the refrigerator.

Sprout seeds

• Broccoli, kale and cabbage

• Radish

• Onion

• Mung bean

• Garbanzo (or chick peas)

• Sunflower

• Alfalfa

• Watercress

• Wheat

• Buckwheat

• Lentils and peas

• Red clover

Caution: Do not use anything else other than the above. Many plants can be poisonous if eaten. Plants such as tomatoes and pepper sprouts are toxic if eaten. Do not use these plants as sprout seeds.

Where to find sprout seeds
You can find many of the sprout seeds at home and garden stores, local greenhouses or online. Do a search for sprouting and you will find a world of information.