A few days back some of you got a little miffed that this California girl was able to start spring planting. I feel your pain! But I’m going to be the plant nazi and insist that you power through. You see, I’ve been on an East Coast Whole Foods and the $6 limp kale they try to pass off as “fresh.” These must be dark days. But don’t despair. You can start growing sprouts indoors right in your kitchen next to the window.

Why You Need Sprouts in Your Life

Sprouts Can Help You Lose Weight. The ample amounts of fiber bulks up in the stomach to help you feel full. The enzymes in the sprouts activate metabolic activity. The amount of protein, vitamins and minerals contained in them are probably better and more readily absorbed through your body than pills.

Sprouts contain vitamin K, folate, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and riboflavin. In terms of minerals, sprouts contain manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Copper and zinc contribute to hair health and immune health, iron fights against anemia, magnesium helps to relax the muscles and aids in digestion, and calcium keeps your bones strong. I haven’t even gotten into the other vitamins sprouts include, but I think you get the point.

The great thing about growing sprouts indoors is that it’s so easy even a cave man can do it. I use the seed sprouter from Botanical Interest. I can get edible sprouts within 3-4 days of activating the seeds. That’s a lot quicker payoff than seeds I’ve planted that take two weeks to germinate.

My sprouts approximately 4-5 days after opening the seed packet and running them under water

I like to use my sprouts as part of my morning green smoothie, in which I try to pack in all my daily requirements of greens and fruits first thing.

Sprouts have sort of a green, nutty flavor, and gives some flavor and texture to your salads, and crunch to your sandwiches.

How to Use the Seed Sprouter

Nothing in gardening could be easier. Seriously. The sprouter comes with two removable trays and dividers so you can grow different varieties of sprouts. I don’t use my dividers because I grow one or two different kinds. Just spread your seeds out on the tray and run water over them. Set aside. Run water on them about twice a day and set them by a sunny window when you see that the sprouts have broken through the seed. Sprouts will be ready to eat in a less than a week.

Recommended Seeds for Sprouting:

Alfalfa

Brocolli

Organic Salad Mix