Sprouting Instructions
Yields approximately as many micro-greens (by weight) as seed "planted"
Grow these on soil or Baby Blanket (soilless medium) in a Tray, on a Hemp Bag, a Miniature Garden or on virtually any moisture retaining medium (as minimal as paper towel or fabric - like cheesecloth) you can think of.
NOTE: If you are planting Spicy Salad Greens on soil in a Tray then you should soak and pre-sprout until you see some tiny tails growing on even just a few of the seeds. If you are planting on Baby Blanket, a Hemp Bag, or a Miniature Garden you should soak prior to planting but feel free to skip the pre-sprout. When you soak these seeds there will be a slippery feel to some - the Arugula and Cress are mucilaginous after all - if you find it too difficult to handle the seeds after soaking then don't soak before planting - next time just spread the dry seeds on your thoroughly moistened medium/sprouter while dry - that will work too.
The Basics
If you want to: Soak and Pre-sprout until you see some tiny tails growing on even just a few of the seeds.
Put 2/3 Cup of seed* into a bowl or into your Sprouter.
Add 2-3 times as much cool (60-70 degree) water.
Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.
Allow seeds to Soak for 6-12 hours.
Empty the seeds into your sprouter if necessary.
Drain off the soak water.
Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water
and Drain thoroughly.
Set anywhere out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (70° is optimal) between Rinses.
Rinse and Drain again in 8-12 hours.
And, perhaps one more...
Rinse and Drain in 8-12 hours.
Thoroughly moisten that upon which you are going to grow.
If using a Hemp Bag or a small bit of Baby Blanket or similar medium - lay it on a plate or in a pan or something so that you don't end up watering your counter. Likewise, if using a Tray, put it on a plate or in a solid (Drip) tray to capture water runoff.
Spread seeds sparsely on your thoroughly moistened medium/sprouter.
(there should be a bit of space around each seed but you are not expected to place them one at a time - just spread them out as much as you can and as evenly as you can*)
You may cover your seeds:
If planting in a Tray use another tray - up side down.
If using a Miniature Garden you can slide the tray into the central unit for the first 2-3 days.
If using a Hemp Bag or similar medium - be creative.
It is not mandatory when growing mucilaginous Micro-Greens to cover them at all. Experiment for yourself and see what works best in your climate/location.
Place your Micro-Garden in a low-light, room temperature location (70° is optimal).
Keep the medium/sprouter moist - but not soggy - by watering or misting every day or two.
When your plants grow up and begin to shed their hulls they are ready for light so move them (if necessary) to a well lighted location.
If you go with sunlight be prepared to water more frequently. Room light will usually do quite nicely as well and will not dry out your medium as quickly.
Keep the medium/sprouter moist but not soggy by watering regularly.
Water from the side if possible to prevent injuring the tiny plants.
When your plants have open leaves and are green, they are done.
Harvest by cutting just above the medium upon which they have grown.
During the final 8-12 hours minimize the surface moisture of your plants - they will store best in your refrigerator if they are dry to the touch. So if you water try to keep the water off the plants - just water the medium.
Transfer your crop to a plastic bag or the sealed container of your choice - glass is good - and put them in your refrigerator - if you can keep from eating them all first.
Note: If using Single Harvest Pack and a Miniature Garden use the whole bag on 1 tray.
Or Use:
1-2 Tablespoons for our little 5 inch tray.
1/3-1/2 Cup for an 11inch x 11 inch square tray.
2/3-1 Cups for ours for an 11 inch x 22 inch tray.
The surest way to know what amount of seed to use: Spread dry seed on the bottom of your sprouter so that the seed is spread evenly and sparsely (about 1/16 - 1/8 of an inch of room between seeds is the goal, but don't sweat it, there is no way you can do that even close to exactly - it is just a goal!).
* The first time you grow these you might consider giving quite a bit of space to each seed just to familiarize yourself with the plants' habit.
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