Pea sprouts! Sprouting is so simple and easy I can't figure out why I waited so long to try it. Now, I am officially a convert. While starting seeds for my spring garden, I ended up with extra space under the grow lights. I have had a few packages of seeds for sprouting bouncing around for a while and just never got around to giving them a go. With all the necessary things already on the counter for starting seeds, the lightbulb came on and I decided to also start some pea sprouts.
I put my already moistened seed starting soil mix in an old take-out container that had vent holes - really it was the lid and I used the base as the catch pan for any runoff water. Perfect, no extra cost, it only took a couple of extra minutes. I then heavily scattered pea seeds on the top of the soil not worrying too much about spacing, since they will only grow for about 2 weeks. Once scattered, I pushed the seeds 1/2 inch into the soil. FYI, I used a pea seed that is specifically for sprouting from Botanical Interests. Then I gently watered the whole thing getting it evenly moist. From there, the container went under the grow light. A bright warm space near a window works too.
Less than a week later - voila! Pea sprouts are growing.
I let them grow for another week, making a total of 2 weeks from seed to ready to harvest sprouts.
Now cut the sprouts near the soil and use them in a salad, stir fry or on a sandwich. Fresh greens in 2 weeks - oh yes! Time to make a salad.
How to Grown Pea Sprouts
INGREDIENTS
Seeds for sprouting
Seed starting soil mix or potting soil
Water
Vented container to hold 2 inches of soil
Grow lights or a sunny warm spot
PROCESS
Put about 2 inches of pre-moistened seed starting soil in a container with good drainage. If you have a container made for sprouting - great - but almost any container with drainage will work.
Spread pea seeds heavily on top of soil.
Press seeds into soil to a depth of 1/2 inch.
Gently water container.
Place under grown lights or in a sunny warm place.
Check daily to ensure soil is moist but not wet.
Harvest after about 2 weeks by cutting near the root with clean scissors.
Use in salad, stir fry or on a sandwich.