Things You'll Need
- Two large paper towels
- Water
- Baking sheet or plastic tray with a raised edge
- 1/4 cup of seeds, such as alfalfa, mung bean or sunflower
- Wide-mouth jar
- Cheese cloth
- Rubber band
- Specialized germination jar (optional)
Instructions
Paper Towel Method
Soak the paper towels thoroughly and lay one sheet flat on the baking sheet or tray.
Rinse the seeds and spread them over the paper towel in a thin, even layer. Cover with the other wet paper towel.
Keep the paper towels moist and the seeds covered. After the first 24 hours, check every six to 10 hours for germination.
Remove sprouted seeds from the towels. Their rootlets can grow into and stick to the towels.
Jar Method
Fill the jar about halfway with water. Add seeds to the water.
Cut the cheesecloth so that it fits over the mouth of the jar, with about 2 inches around the edge. Cut a second piece the same size.
Place both layers of cheesecloth over the mouth of the jar. Fasten the cloth down with the rubber band. Place the jar in a spot that is warm but not sunny.
Soak the seeds for at least 12 hours and then pour off the water through the cheesecloth.
Rinse the jar twice, pouring the water out through the cheesecloth each time. Repeat the process every 12 hours or so.