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We originally wrote about sprouting here.  Back then (in January), we were young and innocent.

Since that time we`ve continued to research.  I have 3 books on sprouting and 8 packages of seeds.  All of them (including the seeds) suggest that sprouting in a jar is a fine alternative.  Nonetheless, I read something recently that suggested there could be a possibility of E Coli when sprouting using jars.  It`s a single mention but one that I took to heart and attempted a different approach, sprouts in dirt:

The first lesson we`ve learned is fairly evident – don`t pack the jars with too much dirt.  In retrospect, it`s mind numbing obvious – as sprouts grow, they take more room and this will move dirt if necessary.

The process is easy – soak the seeds for 4-6 hours and place a single layer on top of soil.  Place a small amount of soil on top, moisten.

There are considerable advantages to sprouting in dirt compared to the jar method which go beyond avoiding potential disease:

• You can grow as much (or little) as you wish
• Dirt will allow for a second or third crop if you cut them as opposed to eating the root
• You only have to water once per day – the soil maintains the moisture
• Watering is quicker and cleaner
• It doesn`t take fridge space
• Since they are living in dirt, they will stay in prime health longer
• Although not exclusive to soil, we are growing 4 pots to rotate our `crops` so we will have a constant stream of greens (they grow in 2-4 days).

The cost is low.  We bought the pots (they include a drainage hole and tray) for $2 – a cheaper alternative could include reused yogurt jars.  Seeds are typically around $2 and many packages will yield up to 10 cups of sprouts.  The pictures above are early in the growing process – the pots are easily 3 times more full now.