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Growing Alfalfa Sprouts in Trays, Jars Guide

Growing Alfalfa sprouts in trays

Today, we learn the topic of growing Alfalfa sprouts in trays and jars. Alfalfa sprouts can also be grown by making use of a clay tray. In this article, let us discuss how to grow alfalfa sprouts from seeds by using a clay tray.

  • You will need to measure the seeds which you desire to use. You can measure 1 tablespoon of alfalfa seeds which will give 1 ½ cups of alfalfa. The seeds which are not used have to be stored in a plastic container or in their actual bag.
  • The alfalfa seeds should be rinsed and sorted. The alfalfa seeds have to be placed in a strainer with fine-mesh or in a cheesecloth piece and should be rinsed in a thorough manner. The alfalfa seeds have to be sorted and the seeds which are discolored and damaged have to be removed.
  • Now it is time to soak the seeds. For this, the seeds have to be placed in a glass jar. Then they should be covered with cold water up to 2 inches. Now the entire jar has to be covered with a cheesecloth piece and make sure that you are securing it by making use of a rubber band. The seeds should be placed in a dark room and have to be soaked for a minimum of 12 hours.
  • Water has to be poured across the cheesecloth so that it will help in trapping the seeds inside the jar and keep them from spilling out of the sink.
  • Start spreading the seeds over the clay tray base. It would always be better if you choose a terra cotta pot which is red in color and this is also considered to be perfect for the growing of alfalfa sprouts. The seeds have to be spooned inside the clay tray and should be spread in a uniform manner.
  • The clay tray has to be set up in a water pan. For this, select a pan which is bigger than the size of the clay tray. The pan has to be filled completely with water. This is done so that the water increases about half way up to the tray sides. Make sure that you are not adding much water that it would spill into the clay tray.
  • The clay tray and water pan have to be kept in a dark room so that it would let the seeds to sprout.
  • This specific method will work as the clay tray will start absorbing the water which is present in the pan. This water which is absorbed by the clay tray will be sufficient enough to moisten the alfalfa seeds and will help them for their growth. If you are using this method for growing alfalfa sprouts, then rinsing is not at all required.
  • The pan has to be refilled with water for every three to four days. You will need to monitor it on a daily basis and fill it whenever the water in it will undergo evaporation. The clay tray will continuously absorb water from the pan which will keep the soil moist and at the same time help them to sprout.
  • The clay tray has to be moved into the sun when the length of the sprouts reach 2 inches. Make sure that you are keeping the tray in a sunny window for about 15-20 minutes. Now the sprouts will be ready for consumption when they turn into a bright green color.
Alfalfa Sprouts in Containers.
Alfalfa Sprouts in Containers.

Read: How to Grow Ginger Indoors.

Consumption and storage of Alfalfa:

  • The hulls of the alfalfa can be consumed but most of the people will prefer to remove the hulls for a few aesthetic reasons. For the removal of hulls, you will need to keep the sprouts in a water bowl and irritate the mass of the sprout by making use of your hands. The hulls will get separated in an easy manner from the sprouts and rise to the water surface. The water with the hulls has to be removed so that the sprouts can be saved.
  • Alfalfa sprouts are the best choice to add in any salad type. The taste of the alfalfa sprouts will be the best when consumed fresh from the time when they are last rinsed. You can separate the sprouts by chopping and add them to any of your favorite salads.
  • Alfalfa has to be completely dry after the last rinse has been completed. If you store it, when it is wet, then it will get rotten for sure. The dry alfalfa has to be placed inside of a storage bag made of plastic and should be refrigerated.

Growing Alfalfa in jars

The following guide explains growing Alfalfa sprouts in Jars.

Alfalfa sprouts are very popular when coming to the United States of America. It is frequently found in the salad bars, at the top of sandwiches and in the produce aisle. If you like the alfalfa sprouts which are bought from a store, then you will definitely love the crunch and flavor of the alfalfa which is sprouted at home and is fresh.

Alfalfa sprouts are nothing but the shoots of the plant Alfalfa. These come from the Alfalfa plant when it is harvested before growing fully. As these are very small, alfalfa sprouts will consist of a concentrated amount of few vitamins like calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Alfalfa sprouts are the ones which will grow very rapidly, that is they undergo sprouting in just two to five days. The growth of the Alfalfa sprouts can be done in a small tray or a glass jar. And for growing them, you will require only 1 tablespoon of alfalfa seeds and you will get 1 ½ cups of the alfalfa sprouts. The sprouts are very nutritious and they are high in the content of antioxidants and they would be great if added to sandwiches and salads. In this article, we will discuss how to grow alfalfa sprouts in a jar.

Read: How to Prepare a Garden Seedbed.

  • The first step in growing alfalfa sprouts is to buy the alfalfa seeds. You will be able to find the alfalfa seeds at health food stores, online suppliers of seeds or at the feed stores. You can also find the alfalfa seeds which are organic. These seeds will be available in packages which would be as small as 10 to 16 oz and sacks will be as large as 1 pound. If you have a plan to eat lots of alfalfa on a daily basis, it would be cheaper if you purchase the alfalfa seeds in bulk at a time.
  • Always take a measurement of 1 tablespoon of alfalfa seeds. One tablespoon of alfalfa seeds will give rise to 1 ½ cups of the alfalfa which would be sufficient to fill a jar and will give you one meal or two meals. The additional amount of seeds can be stored in the actual bad or in a plastic container which is sealable.
  • The alfalfa seeds which you wish to grow have to be taken and placed in a sieve with fine-mesh or they can also be placed on a piece of cheesecloth. These have to be rinsed thoroughly. If you see any seeds being discolored or broke, then pick them out.
  • All the seeds have to be washed at once and this will cause few seeds to sprout prior to you being prepared of using them. So make sure that you are washing the seeds which you are planning to sprout immediately.
  • The alfalfa seeds have to be kept in a quart jar which has a clean glass. The jars which have a flat size will work best as you they can be laid on their sides to let the better circulation of air.
  • The alfalfa seeds have to be covered with 2 inches of water. Remember that the water should be cold. Always ensure that the seeds are covered completely.
  • The mouth of the jar has to be covered by making use of a clean pantyhose or a cheesecloth. By doing this, it will keep the alfalfa seeds present in the jar whenever you drain the contents in it. The covering has to be protected by making use of a rubber band.
  • The seeds of the alfalfa have to be soaked for a minimum of 12 hours. The jar has to be kept in a place which is warm and dry when you are soaking the alfalfa seeds. The alfalfa seeds will not require direct sunlight for the purpose of sprouting.
  • Now the water has to be drained. The cheesecloth has to be left in its place and the jar has to be turned upside down over a sink. By doing this, the water present in the jar will drain out whereas the seeds will remain in the jar itself.
  • The alfalfa seeds have to be rinsed and drained again. Now, ensure that all the water in the jar drains out completely so that there would not be any chance of rotting of the alfalfa seeds.
  • The jar should be placed by laying it on its side in a spot which is dark. The best choices are a pantry or closet which will provide a comfortable and warm temperature. Ensure that the alfalfa seeds are being spread out all across the jar base.
  • The jar has to be removed for every 10 to 12 hours for rinsing the seeds of alfalfa. The seeds have to be rinsed by making use of lukewarm water. The seeds have to be drained in a thorough manner each and every time. This has to be done for every four days or till the alfalfa seeds start to sprout to a length of 2 inches.
  • Now the alfalfa sprouts should be moved into sunlight. The sprouts should be spread in a thin layer. This can be done on a dish or a platter and these should be kept in a sunny window for about 15-20 minutes. By doing so, it will activate the enzymes which are important to make the alfalfa sprouts more healthy. You will need to be patient until they will turn into a green color. Once the alfalfa sprouts have become green in color, then they are ready to eat. These have to be stored in the refrigerator which will slow their growth for up to seven days.

That’s all folks about growing Alfalfa sprouts in Trays and Jars.

Read: Kaju Cultivation Tips.

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