What is a parent to do?
This is not a tough assignment. My vote goes for starting sprouts. They are edible and (don't tell you children), good for you with high amounts of vitamins like B and C. Best of all, they are extremely easy to grow, sprouting in three or four days and incredibly, they don't need any light whatsoever. They can be grown anywhere in the house, including in a child's room, even under the bed!
Of course, it is more fun to grow them in the kitchen where you can check their progress and where there is ready access to water and a drain, two necessary items, as you will see.
There are several spouting seeds from which to choose. You can use Mung beans, the old standby, or alfalfa seeds, another common sprout. However, don't overlook sunflower seeds, chickpea, quinoa or oats, just to name a few. These, too, are easy to grow.
All of these seeds can be found at any health food store and most of them at the supermarket. If you have trouble finding them you can easily pick some up at Sagaya's or one of the many other Asian groceries we now have throughout the state.
As for a container, you can use a Mason jar, easily found somewhere around the house. If not, these too are readily available, but frankly, you can use an old mayonnaise, jelly or other glass container. I stay away from plastic containers not knowing if they are BPA-free. Besides, there is something aesthetic about using a glass jar.
The trick here is to toss aside the jar's lid and replace it with cloth, be it cheese cloth or an old piece of a t-shirt or some other porous material that will let water drain through. It has to be large enough to cover the mouth of the jar so it can be attached to the top with a rubber band or, if you are using a Mason jar, by using the metal ring that comes with the jar.
Once you have all the supplies, put a one-fourth inch of seed in the bottom of the jar. Then add 1 to 2 inches of warm water right out of the hot water tap and let the seed soak overnight. Don't worry about being exact when it comes to these measurements, but if you are working with children, it is fun to help hone their measuring skills.
While you don't need to be exact, don't get carried away; the seeds I mentioned will increase in bulk five to eight times, so if you put too much in the jar, you may make a bit of a mess of things after they sprout and start growing. (Measuring the changes in the 'depth' of seed each day as they bulk up and then germinate can add to the educational value of the project).
Once in water, the seeds will absorb most of it in 24 hours. At this point, drain off any excess water and rinse off the seed in warm water. You don't have to take them out of the jar. Just fill it, gently shake and pour it out. This will prevent bacterial slime from coating the sprouts, a natural process that would ultimately feed the sprouts if planted in soil. For the next few days it is important to rinse the seed a few times a day so they don't get slimy and smelly.
After two to four days, depending on the type of seed, they will be ready to eat. What could be easier? No soil, no fertilizer, no supplemental lights nor any other fuss or muss.
Later, once you or your child gets some confidence, you can try radish, broccoli, cabbage and other seeds left over from this summer. In time, you may even forget it is winter.
Jeff Lowenfels is a member of the Garden Writers Hall of Fame. You can reach him at www.gardenerjeff.com.
Garden calendar
CYCLAMEN: Buy some if you don't have them. Keep slightly moist at all times. Pick off flowers as they fade to keep the plant blooming all winter long.
NORFOLK ISLAND PINE: If you want a living Christmas tree, this is the one for you. Buy now as they become scarce as we head into the holiday season.
THE GARDEN PARTY RADIO SHOW: Tune into KBYR Smart Radio AM-700 from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday throughout the year.
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