I am so excited to report that my second attempt at sprouting was very successful! This time, I only sprouted in one level and used Organic Sandwich Booster Sprout Mix from Gardens Alive. We love Gardens Alive because they very often have a $25 coupon available or have fantastic monthly specials. I originally purchased my sprouter when it was a monthly special.  Anyhow, the sprout mix contains clover, alfalfa, radish and canola sprout seeds. This first taste had a bit of a “twang” but I feel that maybe they were not quite finished at that time. Maturity is 3-6 days.

These were wonderful in our salad, but I did add them to a couple of sandwiches as well. I am anxious to hear DH’s report back from his lunch that I made today. I spread a light amount of the sprouts in his turkey sandwich and chicken salad sandwich. I am always looking for ways to slip in  more veggies to our meals.

There was a pretty decent “harvest” from the small amount of seeds that I sprouted this time. I just need to research how to store them, but for now I have them in a sealed ziploc with a damp piece of paper towel.

I already have some more alfalfa sprout seeds soaking for the start of a new batch tomorrow.

I wish I had a steadier hand for the  photos!!!!

Just before I placed inside the plastic bag and into the fridge…….

Today is the first day of my seed sprouter. Yesterday’s post about seed sprouting dropped down on the page because I am still moving prior posts from our other blog over to here. I soaked the seeds overnight and then this morning drained them and place each type of seed in the two seperate trays. The directions called for each rack of seeds to be rinsed under running water. After all of the rinsing and attempts to get the seeds spread out evenly, I placed the sprouter ontop of my refrigerator.

 Here are a few photos of day 1

Originally posted on 1/19/08 at our first blog

We woke up to a howling wind with snow pellets blowing in the air this morning. I call them pellets because that is what they felt like when they were hitting me. Dear Husband said he felt like he was in a snow globe with the Styrofoam balls swirling all around. It is a great morning for curling up with a great read.  Fortunately for me, I picked up the most recent copy of Mother Earth News when I was in town yesterday, so that will keep me happy for a bit.

Normally, I purchase plants from my friend’s greenhouse business every year, but they are not organic and I don’t think it is in the budget to purchase as many plants as I will need this year.  I spent the money I would normally spend on plants on a much larger variety and will be able to have many more plants for a fraction of what they would cost already planted for me.  Now, if I can just make sure they actually survive!

this was originally posted on 2/3/08 on our first blog attempt 

Is it too early to start seeds? I feel like a kid waiting to go to DisneyWorld.  Are we there yet?

Today, I started preparing my basement garden area for my seed starts.  I covered my table with oil cloth for easy cleanup and then placed my shoplight fixture above. Being in the basement presents a problem for light, so I am consering purchasing some mylar to make best use of the light I have available.

Tomorrow I hope to purchase a seed sprouter online. I have been looking around for a few weeks and I have decided on a sprouter from Gardens Alive. I was excited to receive an email stating that it is the product of the month and 25% off, along with sprouting seeds. Boy, am I glad that I waited.

Every year Gardens Alive  offers $25 off of a $50 purchase (use key code 145695), but unfortunately you cannot use it in conjunction with the 25% off. I am not affiliated with Gardens Alive, but wanted to share a good deal with others. You can sign up for a newsletter with other sales specials and product of the month info.

I am looking forward to some fresh “green” while I wait patiently for spring planting.