How to grow microgreens in a jar?

Abby
by Abby

I always thought that growing things in jars was super cool. So does someone know how to grow microgreens in a jar?


  16 answers
  • Ouina Ouina on Feb 14, 2018

    I've successfully grown sprouts (micro greens) in a mason jar by doing the following:


    Supplies:

    1- thoroughly wash and sterilize a quart size wide mouth mason jar.

    2- use a canning lid rim and stainless steel sprout screen (I use one by Down To Earth) or a lid made of cheesecloth, muslin, or nylon screen secured with a rubber band or canning lid rim.

    3- Need a dish drainer or bowl to prop the mason jar for draining.

    4 - sprout seeds - I love Botanical Interests sprouts sandwich mix (and there are other micro greens as well)


    Preparation:

    1 - Disinfect - If not properly disinfected all seeds have the possibility of carrying E. coli bacteria or other food borne pathogens; therefore, it is recommended to disinfect prior to sprouting by soaking the seed(s) in a 2% bleach solution ( 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 cup hot tap water) for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. I use a small screen tea strainer.

    2 - Soaking - Measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of sprouting seed (for a 1 quart jar); remove any damaged or broken seeds. Place seeds in jar, secure lid, and fill jar partially with cool or room temperature water. Swirl water to clean seeds, then pour the water out. Refill jar with enough water to cover seeds about three times their depth, and let seeds soak overnight (8-12 hours). If this step is done during the day, place jar away from direct sunlight.

    3 - Draining - Pour off water. Rinse seeds by filling the jar partially with cool/room temperature water. Swirl water and seeds, then pour the water out. Shake the jar gently to spread out the seed. The seeds tend to clump but do the best you can. In a location away from the direct sunlight, prop the jar at an angle to drain additional water, and let it sit for 3-4 hours.

    4 - Rinsing - Rinse the sprouts with fresh water 2-3 times a day by filling the jar and draining well, then propping the jar at an angle for complete drainage.

    5 - Sprouted greens - Once most of the seeds have sprouted (when they are 1-2" long, usually about 4-6 days), rinse (you want to remove any hulls as they tend to mold) in a bowl of water by swishing around in the water by hand - the hulls will float to the top. Drain and then spread out by pulling apart the sprouted seed mass on clean cotton cloths or paper towels to thoroughly dry about 6-8 hours. They won't rot if you air dry them well before storing in a container. I like the berry keeper with a lid. It seems to work really well.


    General Rules:

    Rinse often

    Keep moist but not wet (by propping the jar to drain)

    Keep at room temperature

    Allow plenty of room for air circulation (by not trying to sprout more seeds per jar)


    I've found that I can keep freshly grown sprouts in a berry keeper for about a week or more if I've done a good job of drying the sprouts. I've grown all types and use fresh in salads and sandwiches or cooked in stir fry.


    Good luck!

  • For broccoli, alfafa sprouts, etc, you'll need a jar with a straining lid. Be sure whatever seeds you're using for sprouts are approved for sprouting (you don't want bacterial growth). Soak the seeds for a few hours in the jar, then strain off the water. Allow the jar to sit at an angle, upside down so that any moisture is being drained off, and do this in a cool, dark place. Rinse your sprouts gently twice a day until they're at the desired length.

  • William William on Nov 17, 2021

    Growing microgreens from other Hometalkers

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=grow%20microgreens

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 17, 2021

    answered this on your other post but here it is again

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uav3Wd58nmU

  • The first step is to soak your seeds. Here's a link with detailed instructions:

    https://www.microgreenscorner.com/how-to-grow-microgreens-in-a-jar/

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 17, 2021

    You can make your own straining lid by cutting a piece of clean screening and securing that with a canning lid. That way you can also rinse your sprouts without removing the lid.


    How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar: A Step by Step Guide

    https://donotdisturbgardening.com/how-to-grow-microgreens-in-a-jar-a-step-by-step-guide/

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Nov 18, 2021

    Hello heres a link that might help

    https://thegardentots.com/mason-jar/

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Nov 18, 2021

    1. Choose a wide-mouth mason jar
    2. Cut a screen material to the same size as the lid
    3. Prepare a solution of water with nutrients and pour into the jar
    4. Sprinkle seeds on top of the screen
    5. Spray the seeds and cover with the lid from the jar
    6. Keep the microgreens jar in a dark area for five days, misting daily
    7. Remove the top cover and place the jar in sunlight or under a grow light
    8. Refill jar with water if necessary
    9. Harvest


  • Annie Annie on Nov 18, 2021

    This explains step by step how to grow microgreens in a jar

    https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-sprouts-in-a-jar-2540007

  • Here is a great video on how to grow them indoors in a jar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uav3Wd58nmU

  • Maura White Maura White on Nov 22, 2021

    Check this out: https://amzn.to/3nHMseN And instead of using plastic trays, use jars instead

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 14, 2021

    I used a mason jar with a piece of new screen that was held down by the jar ring. This made rinsing the sprouts easy and farily mess free. But carful not to add too much water when you initally sprout them and rinse at least once a day.

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 18, 2021

    When growing in a jar I found that frequent and thorough rinsings are very important. The sprouts need to have their water clean to ensure the best taste and growth.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 07, 2023

    drop of water and seeds?