• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Salads ยป Growing Sprouts & Homemade Sprouting Jars {tutorial}

    LAST UPDATED: November 4, 2022 โ€ข FIRST PUBLISHED: June 4, 2019 By Toni Dash 105 Comments

    Growing Sprouts & Homemade Sprouting Jars {tutorial}

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title photo

    Sprouting seeds and beans at home is fast and easy. With this easy Growing Sprouts Guide and easy step-by-step Homemade Sprouting Jars tutorial you can be growing a variety of sprouts inexpensively in your own kitchen.

    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title photo
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title (three jars of sprouts)

    For anyone who loves picking up sprouts at the grocery store to add a fresh, crunchy bite to salads, sandwiches and other recipes, you’ll love growing them at home.

    Most varieties only require a few days to grow and are very inexpensive!

    This Growing Sprouts guide and instructions for making Homemade Sprouting Jars tutorial you’ll be set to have fresh sprouts whenever you want them!

    Growing sprouts always brings back memories of my childhood when my mother sprouted her own seeds and legumes and made homemade yogurt.

    It felt to be a cross between a frugal-DIY effort and a vestige of a more hippie-laden time.

    Regardless of motivation it was standard practice in my household.

    Jump to:
    • Growing Sprouts is Fast and Easy!
    • Growing Sprouts at Home: Sprouting 101 Guide
    • Why Grow Sprouts?
    • What to Sprout?
    • Growing Sprouts: How To
    • Buying Supplies to Make Homemade Sprouting Jars โ€“ a Fast and Easy Sprouting Solution
    • How to Make Homemade Sprouting Jars โ€“ Step by Step Guide:
    • Growing Sprouts โ€“ Step by Step:
    • Are Homegrown Sprouts Safe to Eat?
    • Recipe

    Fast forward to now when home crafting of food has taken the place of the chic that purchasing everything held a mere decade ago.

    Now if you are cool, you brew you own craft beer, make your own wine, make homemade vinegar, can the vegetables you’ve grown in your own community garden plot and cook from scratch whenever possible.

    three jars of homegrown sprouts

    Growing Sprouts is Fast and Easy!

    Realistically, that is more romantic than practical for most people.

    However growing sprouts is something everyone can do. It seriously takes minutes a day with the sprouts coming to fruition over just a few days’ time.

    Sprouts and micro greens are commonplace at most markets, with the more exotic varieties such as sunflower sprouts no longer a surprise to see in most grocery stores.

    Sprouts add a crunchy texture to a sandwich or salad and a nutrition packed source available on-the-cheap when spouting at home.

    When this post was originally published, I married creating a growing sprouts guide with an easy home DIY project of making homemade sprouting jars from DIY Mason Jars, a book I reviewed.

    Making homemade sprouting jars or sprouters, is inexpensive and fun.

    They make great gifts without breaking the bank as well.

    Mung beans soaking in homemade sprouting jar
    Many different seeds and legumes may be used for sprouting though ensure they are sold for sprouting and contain no pathogens. Above: Mung beans soaking in homemade sprouting jar.

    Growing Sprouts at Home: Sprouting 101 Guide

    Why Grow Sprouts?

    There are many varieties of seeds and legumes which can be sprouted offering a plethora of options for any dishes.

    Sprouts contain a significant amount of nutrition in their tiny form offering the opportunity to boost a meal with their simple addition.

    What to Sprout?

    When choosing seeds to sprout purchase seeds designated for sprouting versus for planting to ensure they are edible.

    I also have sprouted actual sunflower hulls which are crunchy and delicious.

    Most grocery stores have a selection of sprouting seeds near the produce department.

    There are some fun sprouting mixtures available on Amazon.com too.

    Mung bean sprouts in homemade sprouting jar
    Mung bean sprouts after 4 days.

    Growing Sprouts: How To

    All seeds have different sprouting time frames that range from 2 days to a full week.

    In a test sprouting I did for this post the mung beans began to sprout in about 2 days and had filled the Mason jar within 4 days.

    The other sprouts ranged to be close to that or a few days longer.

    Buying Supplies to Make Homemade Sprouting Jars – a Fast and Easy Sprouting Solution

    Buying Screen Lids for Mason Jars

    Since the original posting of this tutorial, screen lids have become available for purchase to convert Mason jars into sprouting jars if you prefer not to create your own through the original tutorial below.

    There is a wide variety of them available online (widest range of options) or at stores carrying Mason jar supplies (craft stores, hardware stores etc.).

    Some of my favorites I’ve found online on Amazon.com:

    Note: a link to quart size Mason jars may be found with the Homemade Sprouting Jar tutorial below. Be sure if purchasing screen lid inserts that you select the right size, wide mouth or regular, for the Mason Jars you’ll be using. I suggest using wide mouth quart Mason jars for best air circulation and easy drainage.

    • plastic screen lids for wide mouth Mason jars,
    • metal screens for wide mouth jars
    • special small screen lids for alfalfa seed sprouting
    • regular mason jar sprouting screen
    homemade sprouting jar with soaking beet seeds
    Homemade sprouting jar with beet seeds (chick peas and sunflower seeds soaking in the jars in background)

    How to Make Homemade Sprouting Jars – Step by Step Guide:

    Supplies:

    • Quart-size Mason Jars: wide mouth Mason jars or regular mouth Mason jars
    • Sharpie or other marker
    • Plastic needlework canvas
    • Scissors
    • Dried seeds or beans used for sprouting

    SUPPLIES to make Homemade Sprouting Jars and for sprouting:

    SUPPLIES to make Homemade Sprouting Jars and for sprouting.

    Plastic Needlwork Canvas for Sprouting Jar Lid inserts

    Plastic needlework canvas used to create a screened airflow for sprouting jars may be purchased at hobby and craft stores.

    These colorful sheets cost $0.59 each providing a sprouting jar can be created for less than $2.00/jar.

    The canvas comes in many colors and sizes as noted by the variations on the left.

    Using plastic needlework canvas to make homemade Sprouting Jars

    STEP 1: Trace the lid of the jar onto the plastic canvas. Consider using varied canvas sized to allow sprouting of even very small seeds. Cheesecloth also may be substituted when sprouting very small seeds.

    Tracing lid insert size onto plastic needlework canvas to make Homemade Sprouting Jars

    STEP 2: Cut out traced canvas circles(s). Insert them into the Mason jar lid ring (do not insert the metal inner circle into the lid ring; only the canvas circle). Screw lid onto quart Mason jar.

    Making sprouting jar lids for Homemade Sprouting Jars

    Completed Homemade Sprouting Jars: 

    Homemade Sprouting Jars with colorful plastic canvas lid inserts

    Growing Sprouts – Step by Step:

    Before starting: sanitize any sprouting equipment. Jars should be boiled in clean water for 10 minutes as well as any metal parts (do not boil homemade plastic screen lid inserts). Wash the plastic screen lids inserts with hots water and soap; dry fully.

    STEP 1: Once you have prepared your sprouting jars, place 2 tablespoons to ½ cup of sprouting seeds in a given jar depending on how large a crop you wish to have.

    I used ½ cup of mung beans which created a quart of sprouts; maybe a bit much for a starter batch. You can experiment with the amounts until you decide what works for you.

    mung beans soaking in homemade sprouting jar for sprouting step 1

    STEP 2: Seal the jar with the screen lid. Fill the jar with clean or filtered water to cover the seeds plus an inch. Allow them to sit in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight overnight.

    STEP 3: The following morning, remove any floating seeds or beans and drain the water through the screen top. Rinse again thoroughly with clean cool water and drain. Place the jar on its side in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.

    STEP 4: Rinse the seeds at least twice daily (3-4 times is recommended) by filling the jar to cover the seeds, swish the water around to rinse all the sprouts; drain through the screen top and replace on its side until the sprouts have grown to the size desired.

    STEP 5: Once the sprouts are finished, remove them from the jar, and dry using a salad spinner or paper towels. Place in a plastic bag or sealed container in the refrigerator to use. Sprouts should stay fresh for up to a week.

    sprouted sunflower seeds in homemade sprouting jar
    Sprouted sunflower seeds after 4 days

    Are Homegrown Sprouts Safe to Eat?

    Following the original publication of this guide information regarding food safety has been released cautioning about the consumption of both commercially grown and homegrown sprouts.

    These concerns are regarding unsantitized sprouting seeds or sprouting conditions creating exposure E Coli or Salmonella risk.

    As with any food safety, there are some key practices to follow when growing sprouts at home (and this guide has been updated to reflect them):

    • Buy good quality seeds specifically designated for sprouting (preferably noted as being pathogen-free) from a reliable source
    • Sanitize all sprouting equipment before beginning
    • Use only clean or filtered water
    • Be diligent in daily rinsing of sprouts. It was previously suggested twice daily was adequate; now rinsing 3- 4 times daily is recommended
    • Drain ALL water from the sprouting jar after rinsing each time
    • Sprout in a cool place (warmer temperatures encourage bacteria growth; it can still be present in cool temperatures too but is a less condusive environment)
    • When sprouts are complete, dry fully using a salad spinner or draining on paper towels
    • Store in a clean plastic bag or container and eat within a few days
    • Discard any foul smelling or appearing sprouts; do not eat them
    home sprouted radish seeds in homemade sprouting jar
    Sprouted Radish Seeds after 4 days

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title (three jars of sprouts)

    Growing Sprouts

    Growing sprouts is fun and easy. Be sure to use seeds or beans specifically for sprouting that are free of pathogens.
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 4 days days
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 31kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    Sprouting Jars

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup sprouting Seeds or Beans purchase seeds or beans specifically designated for sprouting purposes
    • Water for rinsing sprouts

    Instructions

    Before Starting

    • Before starting: sanitize any sprouting equipment. Jars should be boiled in clean water for 10 minutes as well as any metal parts (do not boil homemade plastic screen lid inserts). 
    • Wash the screen lids inserts with hots water and soap; dry fully.

    Growing Sprouts

    • Once you have prepared your sprouting jars, place 2 tablespoons to ½ cup of sprouting seeds in a given jar depending on how large a crop you wish to have.
    • Seal the jar with the screen lid. Fill the jar with clean or filtered water to cover the seeds plus an inch. Allow them to sit in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight overnight.
    • The following morning, remove any floating seeds or beans and drain the water through the screen top. 
    • Rinse again thoroughly with clean cool water and drain. 
    • Place the jar on its side in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.
    • Rinse the seeds at least twice daily (3-4 times is recommended) by filling the jar to cover the seeds (with clean or filtered water), swish the water around to rinse all the sprouts; drain all the water through the screen top and replace on its side until the sprouts have grown to the size desired. Timing will vary based on seeds.
    • Once the sprouts are finished, remove them from the jar, and dry using a salad spinner or paper towels. 
    • Place in a plastic bag or sealed container in the refrigerator to use. Sprouts should stay fresh for up to a week. NOTE: never eat sprouts that do not appear or smell fresh.

    Video

    Notes

    • The Total Time will vary depending on seeds or beans being sprouted (the time will be on the package).
    • Nutrition Information is a guide only
    • Review and follow food safety guidelines in the blog post 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 13.7mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title photo
    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
    Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes every week)!
    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: June 24, 2013

    « How to Make Iced Coffee Soda
    Blue Lagoon Cocktail Popsicles (& mocktail version) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sam says

      June 06, 2019 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      I have always wanted to learn how to do this. Your tips and tricks are so helpful.

      Reply
    2. Sommer says

      June 06, 2019 at 6:23 am

      5 stars
      Loved that I could get the kids involved while making these jars!

      Reply
    3. Katie says

      June 05, 2019 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a useful and fun idea! I got my kids involved in this one, and they love it!

      Reply
    4. Becky Hardin says

      June 05, 2019 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      Such great tips.

      Reply
    5. Tanya says

      June 05, 2019 at 8:20 pm

      5 stars
      The kids and are going to have fun with this!

      Reply
      • Leslie says

        January 12, 2021 at 9:06 am

        Hi there! With colorado in a drought, I’m wondering what good ways there are to reuse the water from rinsing sprouts?

        Reply
    6. Julie says

      June 05, 2019 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      I never knew you could grow sprouts like this! Thanks for sharing all your sprout knowledge.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 22 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title photo
    Picture of Toni

    Welcome! I’m Toni Dash. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. I’m so glad you are here!

    More about me →

    Featured on….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Recipes

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • grilled porterhouse steak title Perfect Porterhouse Steak on the Grill
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe – Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch Recipe
    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup – Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs

    Footer

    Growing Sprouts and Homemade Sprouting Jars title photo
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don’t miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2025 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.