Grow your own salad sprouts without a garden

 Looking for a quick way to grow something healthy without needing a lot of space? Even if you don't have a garden, these sprouts are a great project.

                 

Things you need:

• Clean sterilised jars (you don't need the lid)
• Muslin fabric
• Rubber bands
• Sprout seeds (you could try alfalfa, mustard, mung beans, chickpeas, peas or even radish and broccoli seeds)
• Water
• Bucket/sink

Directions

1. Put a tablespoon of seeds in your jar. Add a small amount of water to cover the seeds, and top with a small piece of muslin and a rubber band. Ensure the muslin is wet. Shake jar gently and leave for 4-6 hours in a light spot. If you have a lot of bigger seeds, a tray will also work
2. Fill your jar with a small amount of water and drain by tipping upside down and letting it leak through the muslin into a bucket. Shake the seeds gently and lie the jar on it's side. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day, ensuring that the muslin is always wet and the seeds are damp.
3. Within 1-3 days your seeds will start to sprout. After a day:

                     

After a week:

                           

What I like most about them is that they are a bright vivid green, unlike the rather pale offering that you can buy at the supermarket. I've had this batch for over a week and they are still fresh and not slimy or mouldy. 

Another option is when the bigger seeds have sprouts (such as peas) you can plant them in a shallow soil and shoots will grow which can be snipped off and served in salads. These microgreens are considered highly nutritious and a great addition to many veggie dishes.