First of all, sprouts are truly a super-food that contains as much as thirty times the nutritional value of regular organic vegetables. The reason why sprouting is so healthy is during sprouting minerals bind to protein which makes them more easily absorbed. Plus the quality of fiber and protein in beans, seeds and grains improves when sprouted. Sprouts provide a powerful source of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, and are abundantly rich in oxygen. This is especially beneficial in fighting bacteria and viruses that cannot survive in an environment rich in oxygen.
There is practically no reason anyone who wants fresher food that is sure to be uncontaminated as well as reducing your grocery bill can't start their own sprout garden. If all you have is a small balcony or any outside area you can call your own, there are many creative ways to go sprouts in a tight space. Some of the things to consider are:
1. Quality of the seeds. This goes under the category "you reap what you sow". Do your research and choose only the finest seeds to start your garden. Heirloom seeds are considered among the best, but whatever you choose you shouldn't go cheap.
2. Types of vessels and tools needed. Most containers such as aluminum, steel, plastic and wood. Cedar and teak work the best because they don't rot when in direct contact with the soil. Be sure that if it is outdoors that it has a drain hole for excessive rain water. Terracotta and ceramic can crack under adverse weather conditions, but they probably look the best. Other than that all you should need is a basic trowel.
3. Fertilizing. Of course you will want to use organic fertilizers, and compost, earth worm castings and fish emulsions are all great. You will probably only have to fertilize a couple of times each year.
4. Other things to consider. In small containers water will be your biggest issue, as they tend to dry out quickly. You will have to check every day, which doesn't necessarily mean you must water every day; only if it's dry give it a good soaking. It's better to water thoroughly than a little every day.
For the most part organic food will be healthier for you in the long run. Sprouts are a great food for all of us to grow because you get so much nutrition for so little expense, time and effort. I think the best way to use them is to add them to salads. Nutritionists say that the sunflower seed sprouts and pea sprouts are at the top of the list nutrition-wise. And for anyone who has known the joys of gardening, we can tell anyone who hasn't that gardening really is fun and rewarding.
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