Page 7 2025 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2025 water, otherwise the sprouts may rot or grow mold. It is not necessary to use filtered water unless the home’s tap water causes problems for houseplants. When growing sprouts, it is important to use seeds labeled for sprouting, which are produced in a controlled environment and tested for microorganisms that may cause illness. The first step in growing both microgreens and sprouts is to wash your hands and all containers thoroughly to prevent contamination. To grow microgreens, Dr. Nelson recommends using a hemp fiber grow mat and a deli clamshell. The hemp fiber cannot be reused but may be composted. A plastic deli clamshell can be found for purchase with food storage supplies. To prepare the hemp mat, remove it from the bag, place it white side down in the container, and saturate the mat with water. Drain any excess water. Dr. Nelson recommends the hemp mat should be as wet as a wrung-out washcloth. Next, sprinkle the seeds over the moistened hemp mat and cover with the container lid (open the lid after three days). Place the container in a window or near light, but away from cold drafts. Keep the mat moist; a spray bottle is the easiest way. The microgreen seeds should germinate in three to five days and should be ready to harvest and eat in eight to ten days. For growing sprouts, Dr. Nelson recommends a 16 ounce canning jar, one canning jar band, and one piece of window screen or other mesh of 5 inches by 5 inches for draining the sprouts. Sanitized hands and equipment are especially critical for growing sprouts to avoid spreading and fostering harmful microorganisms. Growing sprouts takes about a week from beginning to ready-to-eat and require the seeds and developing sprouts to be rinsed with clean water twice each day. The water must be allowed to drain thoroughly to avoid rot and mold, which will make the sprouts unsafe to eat. After disinfecting hands, the jar, lid, and screen with hot soapy water and rinsing thoroughly, add seeds to the jar and secure the jar band. Allow the seeds to soak for eight to twelve hours or overnight. After the allotted time, with the screen and jar still in place, drain the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExODA=