If you’re after a low-effort, high-reward way to grow your own food, with no compost, pots or outdoor space required, sprouting seeds might just become your new favourite gardening project.
These little nutritional powerhouses are quick to grow (we’re talking days, not weeks!), bursting with vitamins and enzymes, and super versatile in the kitchen. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about watching a jar full of seeds transform into a tangle of green goodness on your windowsill.
Whether you're completely new to gardening or just fancy adding something fresh to your plate, sprouting seeds are a joyful, easy win.
What Are Sprouting Seeds?
Sprouting seeds are seeds that are encouraged to sprout and grow into tiny shoots, which you eat before they develop true leaves. Think of them as baby plants, eaten just as they wake up from their seed slumber.
Some popular sprouting choices include:
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Alfalfa
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Mung beans
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Broccoli
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Fenugreek
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Chickpeas
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Sunflower
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Lentils
At The Gardeners Co. we get our sprouting seeds from Grow Sow Greener. Their ‘Flavour Bomb Mix’ is a firm favourite, germination rates are fantastic and we love that they're based in Devon!
Why Grow Sprouts?
Sprouts really do punch way above their weight. Here’s why they’re worth growing:
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Nutrient-packed: Sprouts are full of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, often in higher concentrations than the mature plant.
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Zero soil required: Just water, a jar and a bit of patience.
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Fast turnaround: You’ll be enjoying them in as little as 3–7 days.
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Budget-friendly: A small bag of sprouting seeds goes a long way.
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Space-saving: Perfect for kitchens, windowsills, or anywhere with indirect light.
What You’ll Need
You really don’t need much to get started. Here’s your basic sprouting kit:
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Sprouting seeds (organic and untreated)
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A clean glass jar
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A piece of muslin or cheesecloth + elastic band (or a jar with a mesh lid)
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Fresh water
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A spot with indirect sunlight. The kitchen counter or windowsill work perfectly!
How to Grow Sprouting Seeds in 5 Simple Steps
1. Soak Your Seeds
Pop 1 - 2 tablespoons of seeds in your jar and cover with plenty of cool water. Leave to soak overnight (6 - 12 hours depending on the seed size). This kicks the seeds into action and starts the germination process.
2. Drain and Rinse
After soaking, drain the water through the muslin or mesh, rinse with fresh water, and drain again.
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Top Top: Tip the jar upside down and place it in a bowl or on a rack so that excess water can escape. Sprouts don’t like soggy bottoms!
3. Rinse Twice Daily
Each morning and evening, rinse your sprouts with cool water and drain well. Keep the jar in a warm, light spot - but avoid direct sun, which can dry them out too fast.
4. Watch Them Grow!
Over the next few days, your seeds will swell, split, and grow little shoots. Most sprouts are ready to harvest after 3 - 7 days, depending on the variety, the room temperature and your personal taste.
5. Open the Jar and Enjoy
When the sprouts are the length you like, give them a final rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel or salad spinner. Store in the fridge and eat within 3 - 5 days.
Top Tips for Sprout Success
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Cleanliness is key: Always use clean jars, rinse regularly, and make sure your seeds are food-grade and fresh.
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Drain well: Proper drainage prevents mould - no one wants slimy sprouts.
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Try seed blends: You can mix different seeds (like alfalfa and radish) for a tasty variety in one jar.
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Fridge them: Once ready, sprouts keep well in an airtight container in the fridge - but do eat them fresh for the best crunch and flavour.
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Serve up: Add to salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, or use as a garnish. We love ours on top of crispbreads with mozzarella and tomato… delicious!
Fun Facts:
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Mung bean sprouts (famous in stir-fries!) can grow up to four times their original size in just a few days. It’s like watching edible magic happen on your windowsill.
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Sprouting unlocks nutrients and enzymes that are otherwise dormant in the dry seed - it’s nature’s way of supercharging a snack!
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Studies have shown that sprouted broccoli seeds can contain up to 100 times more sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant, than mature broccoli.
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During the 1970s, sprouts were such a health food craze that they made their way onto burgers at some fast food chains.
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Sprouts have been grown in space! NASA has tested sprouting seeds on the International Space Station because they’re nutritious and easy to grow without soil.
Sprouting seeds are a brilliant way to bring a bit of green into your life, even in the depths of winter or the smallest of flats. There’s no soil to faff with, no fancy kit required, and the results are quick, crunchy and delicious.
So why not give it a go? It’s a brilliant activity for kids, a fresh addition to your meals, and a lovely reminder that even the tiniest seeds can grow into something wonderful.
Let us know what you’re sprouting by tagging @thegardenersco. We’d love to see your jars in action!
Got the hang of Sprouting Seeds and fancy another low-maintenance, windowsill growing project? Check out some handy hints on How to Grow Microgreens.