Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3-4. Aboveground storage: hay-bale shack.
Sprouting: Your Own Mini-Garden on a Windowsill
Seeds are one of nature's most perfect foods. They contain all the nutrients necessary to
sustain the growth of budding seedlings until the seedling has developed a root system large
enough to sustain growth from soil sources. One of the few foods more perfect than raw seeds
is sprouted seeds. The sprouting process decreases the carbohydrate and increases the vitamin
and protein content in these “live” foods.
Sprouting is a simple process, and the equipment is very inexpensive. You can sprout seeds
in your own home, creating a low-cost source of fresh vegetables all year long. All you need
for starting your indoor sprout garden is a 1-quart glass jar, untreated whole seeds, a piece of
nylon stocking (or cheesecloth, screen, nylon mesh, etc.), and a rubber band or canning-jar seal
to hold the mesh over the jar. Richard Nielsen's company, Life Sprouts, sells organic sprouting
seeds and supplies, including an excellent covered combination crisper and sprouting tray.
Though most nutritious in their raw form, sprouts can be sautéed, stir-fried, boiled, or
cooked into almost any dish. In just a few days, sprouts provide a source of garden-fresh veget-
ables any time of the year. Nearly all seeds can be sprouted, including most whole grains and
legumes. Grains and legumes are probably the most compact and inexpensive type of food that
can be stored for emergency preparedness.
A Sprouting How-To
Caution: Potato and tomato sprouts are poisonous. Do not sprout commercial seeds for plant-
ing, because these are usually treated with a poisonous fungicide.
1. Measure the seed batch according to the sprouting guide in table 3-3 . Use only untreated whole
seeds,preferablyorganic(availableathealthfoodstores).Inspectandpickdebrisoutoftheseeds.
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