In order to become successful gardener, it is not enough to have an understanding of how to plant seeds. They often require pre-germination. There are many ways to germinate seeds.
Perhaps the most popular of them is scarification. In essence, it represents a violation of the integrity of the seed coat. This method is relevant for seeds with a very dense shell, which simply prevents the flow of moisture to the core of the seed. To carry out the scarification procedure, you will need a sharp knife or sandpaper. It doesn’t matter which tool you choose - it is important that as a result of its use, the shell at the point furthest from the eye of the seed is damaged.
Note: if the seed size is too small, place them between two pieces of sandpaper and lightly rub them together.
If you are not sure that you are able to carry out the scarification procedure yourself correctly, look for pre-scarified seeds on sale. Scarification is necessary for the seeds of sweet peas, morning glory, geranium and many other plants.
When you ask a question about how to germinate seeds, you will most likely receive advice to soak them. Seed germination as a result of soaking is achieved due to 2 factors: softening of the shell and dissolution of the chemical compounds contained in it. Proper soaking involves keeping the seeds in water heated to 60 degrees for at least a day. As a rule, after this time the seeds swell, after which they are removed from the water and immediately planted. If the soaked seeds do not have time to swell within 24 hours, change the water daily until this result is achieved.
Note: there are also situations when some of the soaked seeds swell before the rest. Such seeds are removed and planted, and the rest are pricked with a needle and soaking continues. And only when the remaining seeds swell, they are also removed and planted. The main thing is not to let them dry out.
Another great method that helps solve the problem of how to germinate seeds is stratification. This method has been known for a long time and consists in keeping the seeds cold for some time before planting. The fact is that the seeds of some plants require an imitation of cooling, similar to the winter period, before waking up. Stratification is quite simple even for an inexperienced gardener. All you need is a small plastic bag filled with some sand. The sand should be slightly moistened, but under no circumstances should it be wet. The seeds are placed in this sand, after which the bag should be placed in the refrigerator. Do not use the freezer! It is important that the sand does not dry out while the seeds are in the refrigerator.
Note: as a rule, even during stratification, many seeds need lighting, so you should not bury them when sowing. It is enough to press them into the sand, but it is better to refrain from sprinkling them on top.
The stratification period varies depending on the plant species.
You can also use a banal package as a miniature greenhouse for germinating seeds. This method is especially good for very small planting material. To do this, moisten a paper towel or napkin, carefully laid out on a flat saucer or any other suitable surface. Then everything is simple: place the saucer with the seeds in a bag and tie it with a knot. Move the resulting greenhouse to a well-lit place. But make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight! How to plant seeds germinated in this way? As soon as they sprout, arm yourself with small tweezers and carefully plant them one by one in pre-prepared soil.
Note: you can immediately fill a small plastic container, such as a cookie container, with nutritious soil, moisten it and plant seeds in it, then tie it in a bag.
It is very convenient to germinate seeds under glass. To do this, you will need to purchase or prepare soil in advance with good drainage. Please note that the nutritional value of the soil should be average - oversaturation nutrients there's no point here. The best option is a mixture of equal parts sand with peat and moss. The seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil and lightly sprinkled with soil. Cover the top of the container with a glass layer or transparent plastic.
Important: the temperature of the container under glass should not exceed 24 degrees Celsius! Accumulation of condensation under cover can harm your seedlings. The best solution is to turn the glass/plastic regularly or at least temporarily.
Do not be alarmed that the initially sprouted seedlings will look very weak and elongated. Once you move the planting container to a well-lit area by removing the lid, they will return to normal. It is important to pick at the same time. The optimal soil mixture for seedlings consists of sand and clean peat in equal parts. Keep the seedlings out of direct sunlight and moisten regularly until you see they are fully established and acclimatized.
And finally, some tips on how to plant seeds in pots after germination:
- wait for the shoots to appear;
- let the cotyledon leaves appear;
- the roots at the time of planting should reach several centimeters in length;
- use peat pots for planting;
- pick the strongest seedlings;
- If the seedlings ripen unevenly, they should not be planted at the same time!
Now you know a lot of ways to germinate seeds. All that remains is to practice, choose the most suitable one for yourself, and then pass on your experience to less experienced gardeners. If you have your own ways of planting seeds after germination, we are waiting for your recommendations and advice.
Tells how you can germinate wheat at home without much effort.
1. Preparation
To grow succulent wheat sprouts, you need to purchase seeds, which are called durum varieties. winter wheat.
They should be prepared for soaking by rinsing thoroughly with plain water using a colander with small holes or a sieve. Next, you need to measure out two cups of seeds, put them in a bowl and soak them in cold, clean water, cover with a lid and leave overnight. There should be three times more water than seeds.
In the morning you should drain the water and pour the seeds even more cold water and leave the vessel for another day. Repeat the process until roots emerge from the seeds at the end of the third day.
2. Planting seeds
You need to prepare a tray for planting seeds.
The bottom of the tray should be lined with paper towels to prevent the roots of the sprouts from growing through the holes in the bottom. Next, you need to place in a tray, moistened organic compost or soil that does not contain pesticides and chemicals, 5 centimeters high.
The seeds should be spread in an even layer over the entire surface of the soil and lightly pressed into the soil, but not completely buried.
Immediately after planting, you need to lightly water the soil and cover the tray with a few moistened newspapers to protect the seedlings and provide them with moist air.
3. Care
Wheat sprouts require a constant abundance of moisture. To prevent the seeds from drying out, you should water the tray thoroughly in the morning.
In the evening you also need to moisten the sprouts with a spray bottle. Wet newspapers should not be removed from the soil for the first 4 days.
When the green sprouts sprout, they need to be watered once a day and kept in the sun, but without direct rays.
4. Collecting sprouts
You can harvest your homemade harvest on the 10th day of germination.
Wheat sprouts, having reached a height of 15 centimeters, should split. When the shoots mature, a second blade of grass sprouts from the first blade. This means that the grass can be collected.
Wheat sprouts must be cut with scissors above the root. The harvest can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than a week.
After the first harvest of sprouts, the grass will continue to grow and up to five harvests can be harvested per season.
Living in Thailand, we became addicted to soybean sprouts. If you add them to salads, rice and noodles with vegetables with the right sauces, it turns out incredibly tasty! It’s even delicious just to eat them with soy sauce, scooping up more with a spoon. They are juicy, tasty, healthy and smell fresh. But... But lately I can find them at a normal price and good quality quite difficult. And they completely disappeared from the shelves of some stores.
Therefore, to all lovers of Asian cuisine (and simply delicious and healthy food) I suggest remembering your school biology lessons and conducting a small experiment - growing sprouts at home. And this can be not only soybeans, but also other legumes and wheat. It won’t take much of your time and you don’t need to care for the sprouts like you would a garden. The main thing is not to forget to add water;)
So, three options - choose the one that seems easiest!
Germination in a glass jar
Everything is very simple - you wash the selected seeds, put them in a jar and fill them with water so that it covers them on top. Cover the neck of the jar with gauze or fine mesh and secure it with an elastic band, leaving the jar overnight. In the morning, drain the remaining water and wash the seeds. After which the seeds are laid out on a draining grid and washed several more times during the day. Soak again in the jar overnight. Harvesting in this way lasts from three to seven days. The duration depends on what seeds you decide to germinate. It’s easiest with wheat, radish, peas, chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, beans - they are ready to eat immediately after their sprouts begin to unfold from the seeds. But with cabbage seeds you will have to tinker a little, since they become edible only when the green part and the first leaves appear.
Sprouting buckwheat
It turns out that buckwheat sprouts are very often used as an ingredient for salads. Although I have never tried buckwheat sprouts. Place the seeds in a jar overnight, as described in the first option. Then rinse the seeds and place them in a bowl or glass jar and cover with a towel. Leave it in this position for several days. Buckwheat sprouts are ready to eat immediately after they have sprouted. Buckwheat releases a gelatinous substance that must be washed off well to prevent mold from appearing.
Growing sprouts in soil
Another option is to place the seeds in the soil. It is usually used for sprouts, which must be eaten with the green part. Buy soil and trays for the soil. Soak the seeds for one night, drain the water in the morning and leave them under a towel for 1-2 days. After the seeds have sprouted, place them in trays on the soil, water them and cover them with a thin layer of soil on top. Care for it as you would a regular houseplant.
Sprouts can be grown at home, it's very simple. They are obtained from the seeds of vegetable and cereal crops, legumes, as an excellent source of vitamins and microelements.
What you will need:
Clean glass jar
Nylon fabric or gauze
Rubber
try to find natural seeds
Read also:
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Step 1. Wash and rinse the jar thoroughly and leave to dry. Then wash the beans/seeds you like. Clean them of foreign particles.
Step 2. Fill 1/3 of the jar with the seeds or beans of your choice, then fill the rest of the jar with room temperature water.
Step 3. Cut a piece of cheesecloth to cover the mouth of your jar so it hangs over and secure with a rubber band.
Step 4. Leave the seeds to swell. This will take from 3 to 8 hours depending on the size of the seeds. The larger the seeds, the longer it takes to soak. They must absorb water.
Step 5. Strain your sprouts through cheesecloth, then remove. Fill the jar with water and rinse all the seeds/beans by gently shaking the jar and then drain again.
Step 6. Re-cover, invert the jar and support it at an angle so that air can circulate inside and any remaining water can drain out.
Repeat this process at least twice a day for a few days and your sprouts will be ready to eat.
When the sprouts grow to a height of 5-7 cm, wash them well and store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. They must be eaten within 2 or 3 days.
If you want to grow more seedlings, use multiple jars rather than trying to pack too many seeds into one large container. Beans need room to circulate air, and packing them too tightly can spoil them. When in doubt, try fewer seeds first.
How to use Sprouts
You can eat them raw, or add them to a salad, or put them on a sandwich, or blend them into your favorite green smoothie.
Bon appetit!
There are so many reasons why wheatgrass juice is called the nectar of the Gods...
You may have heard more than once about the benefits of sprouted wheat, right?
But how to properly grow wheat sprouts at home?
It's quite simple.
Today I invite you to get acquainted with our online guide - how to germinate wheat at home... This post will tell you everything inside and out...
To be honest, I have had to germinate sprouts more than once. However, all the time we were not always able to do it correctly, especially at first. They started to get moldy and everything was lost.
Therefore, I suggest you, together with me, try to properly germinate wheat for consumption.
If you are new to healthy eating and are not entirely familiar with the health benefits of wheatgrass and its juice, be sure to pay attention to our article - 50 reasons to drink wheatgrass juice every day...
In short, we can say one thing... These mega healthy wheat sprouts can even prevent cancer of the colon and stomach.
In general, the history of sprouting and eating wheat began a long time ago, after one of the most simple experiments. It all started in the 1930s as a result of the experiments of agrochemist Charles Schnabel, who fed sick chickens with wheat sprouts.
After eating wheat grass, the birds recovered. Moreover, Schnabel noted that they began to lay more eggs than their initially healthy “neighbors.” Impressed by the experiment, Charles Schnabel introduced wheatgrass into his own family's diet.
When repeating the experiment on next year the result was reproduced; Schnabel noted doubled egg production in chickens that consumed wheat sprouts as a supplement to food.
After many studies, wheat germ has been credited with a variety of properties, including protection against cancer and aging, and treatment against tuberculosis.
How to germinate wheat at home correctly
In general, you need to start with choosing the wheat grain. You can order wheat grains in any online store.
But I made everything simpler...
I just took houses in the village. If you don't have that option, go to your local farmer's market and buy some.
Be sure to pay attention to ensure that they are not poisoned against rodents. Farmers often do this to preserve their harvest throughout the winter.
Step #1: Pre-germinate the sprouts
So, we have already selected the wheat grain...
Pure, home grown and without pesticides. This is the type of sprouting wheat I recommend for maximum health benefits. It is these grains that will give you a little sweetness and pleasant taste.
This wheatgrass juice will contain many vitamins and minerals that will improve your health.
So let's begin...
- Pre-germination is important to achieve a good harvest.
- Take a glass of wheat seeds. Or just fill the bottom of your planting mold in one layer, but thicker.
- Rinse the seeds in clean water, strain, and then soak the seeds in filtered water in any container.
- Soak for 8-10 hours.
- After 8-10 hours, drain the water and then soak them again as in step 2 above and keep them in the water for another 8 hours.
- After the second soaking for 8-10 hours, drain the water.
- Check the beans. They should send out small roots.
These sprouted seeds can even be eaten. Many adherents healthy eating That's how they eat them.
But, if you need a super healthy juice, move on to step two...
Step #2: Preparing the Tray for Planting Wheatgrass
- If your tray has holes in the bottom of the tray, cover the bottom with a paper towel to prevent wheat roots from growing through the bottom.
- Fill the tray with pre-moistened soil or compost in a small layer. Make sure your soil does not contain artificial fertilizers or chemicals. Always use organic additives.
Step #3: Planting Wheat Grains
- Place the sprouted grains evenly and tightly in one layer on moist soil in a tray. Gently press the seeds into the soil or stir a little.
- Place the tray out of line sun rays or just closer to daylight. This could be somewhere near a window and good ventilation. Remember, wheatgrass does not like hot, direct sunlight.
Step #4: Water and Monitor the Sprouts
Young shoots need to be watered at least twice a day to keep them slightly moist. If the soil becomes dry, young shoots may die. And of course, they don’t like overflow either.
Therefore, we suggest that you use a simple sprayer (sprinkler) if you are afraid to overfill.
When the shoots become taller than 2 - 3 cm, this will take about five days, reduce the amount of watering to once a day, for example, in the morning. But always make sure that the soil does not dry out. Once again, avoid overwatering.
Sometimes mold growth can occur. This occurs especially often in humid and hot climates.
But don't worry, there are some good solutions:
- Try soaking the seeds overnight rather than just 8-10 hours as suggested above. This will allow the grains to absorb more moisture, they will increase even more, which will allow them to germinate better and reduce germination time.
- Place the seeds in the tray tightly, but in one layer. Try to prevent them from overlapping so that there is enough air for each sprout to breathe. This will definitely reduce mold.
- Do not overwater the wheatgrass. As we wrote above, use a spray bottle.
- Finally, you can even try the following procedure. After your sprouts have taken root, place another tray or some form without holes under the wheatgrass tray with holes, so to speak, as a reservoir. This way, instead of watering from above, the shoots will take the amount of water they need. But this too can be wrong.
But nothing worked for us several times; all the time the sprouts died from mold. But we still want to achieve the result we need and still try this elixir of youth and health.
Step #5: Harvesting Sprouts at Home
When the wheat sprouts grow to 15 - 20 cm, they are ready for harvesting. Use scissors and cut the greens just above the grain.
If there is still mold, avoid it and cut it a little higher. You should cut enough greens to make about 30 ml of juice so that they will provide you with energy throughout the day.
Note:
You can continue to water your cut greens for a second or even third harvest, although they won't grow as tall. But you will get extra grams of healthy juice.
Otherwise, clean out the tray and get a new, fresh harvest.
Step #6: Juice Wheatgrass and Enjoy
To make wheatgrass juice, you need a special juicer. You can refer to our guide on choosing the best juicer for your whole family and your healthy diet.
I can warn you right away that centrifugal juicer will not allow you to extract juice from wheat grass. This can even clog it severely, since they are highly fibrous.
How to grow wheat at home video
If you don’t understand everything, I suggest you watch an interesting video. This is a very educational and enjoyable video made by the “marmalade fox”, as she calls herself... 🙂 Cool? ...
Check out her YouTube channel...
In conclusion
Now you have a real plan of action and you can easily repeat these steps. As you have seen, germinating wheat at home is not at all difficult. This is not rocket science.
And if you are also a lover of flowers, for example, then I think it will not be difficult for you to germinate wheat for food.
If you are not yet ready to sprout wheat, look at our list of benefits again in the article I wrote about at the beginning. Yes, science does not stand still and soon we can learn a lot more about wheat germ juice.
There is even evidence that 30 ml. wheat germ juiceequivalent in vitamin and mineral content1 kg fresh vegetables! Super! ...
How do you sprout wheat sprouts and what else do you know about the benefits of this juice? Let me know in the comments below! I always love reading other people's stories.
How to grow wheat sprouts at home
It is most rational to purchase wheat for germination from summer residents who do not treat it with chemicals, or in special packages (grain for germination).
You can germinate wheat in the following way.
Step 1. It is important to first sort out the prepared grains for germination; throw away any bad, damaged or rotten ones, leaving healthy seeds. After which the grains are thoroughly washed under running water, all dust, dirt and excess debris are removed.
Step 2. Select dishes: it can be a glass jar, bowl, tray (you can take a container with a lid, but first make holes in the lid). The bottom of the dish can be covered with gauze, after which wheat grains 2–3 cm thick can be placed on it. The wheat should be poured so that the top layer “looks out” and only slightly contacts the water. To keep the wheat soft, it should be filled with water all over. You can additionally cover the container with gauze on top. This creates a certain effect of an air-water “cradle”. The grains receive water and air - the most necessary components for the formation of sprouts. The container is placed in a dark, cool place.
Step 3. By carefully observing the process, you can expect the finished result within a day. The grains will sprout small white sprouts, which, upon reaching 3 mm, will be ready for consumption. The water should be periodically drained, the grains washed and refilled with new ones. The first water change is necessary 2 hours after pouring, since all harmful impurities contained in grains. Next, after 8 hours of soaking, the wheat is washed again, but no water is added, since the grains have already swollen and taken their toll. They just need to be washed three times a day. The wheat will be ready for consumption in two days. If after 48 hours the grains have not sprouted, they are unsuitable. Before eating, the finished sprouts are washed with running water. This product is commonly called sprouted wheat. The sprouts should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours. Therefore, each time before filling the container, it is important to take into account the daily intake for the whole family.
Next chapter >
Living in Thailand, we became addicted to soybean sprouts. If you add them to salads, rice and noodles with vegetables with the right sauces, it turns out incredibly tasty! It’s even delicious just to eat them with soy sauce, scooping up more with a spoon. They are juicy, tasty, healthy and smell fresh. But... But lately it’s been quite difficult to find them at a normal price and of good quality. And they completely disappeared from the shelves of some stores.
©photo
Therefore, I suggest that all lovers of Asian cuisine (and simply tasty and healthy food) remember their school biology lessons and conduct a small experiment - growing sprouts at home. And this can be not only soybeans, but also other legumes and wheat. It won’t take much of your time and you don’t need to care for the sprouts like you would a garden. The main thing is not to forget to add water 😉
So, three options - choose the one that seems easiest!
Germination in a glass jar
Everything is very simple - you wash the selected seeds, put them in a jar and fill them with water so that it covers them on top. Cover the neck of the jar with gauze or fine mesh and secure it with an elastic band, leaving the jar overnight. In the morning, drain the remaining water and wash the seeds. After which the seeds are laid out on a draining grid and washed several more times during the day. Soak again in the jar overnight. Harvesting in this way lasts from three to seven days. The duration depends on what seeds you decide to germinate. It’s easiest with wheat, radish, peas, chickpeas, lentils, mung beans, and beans - they are ready to eat immediately after their sprouts begin to unfold from the seeds. But with cabbage seeds you will have to tinker a little, since they become edible only when the green part and the first leaves appear.
Sprouting buckwheat
It turns out that buckwheat sprouts are very often used as an ingredient for salads. Although I have never tried buckwheat sprouts. Place the seeds in a jar overnight, as described in the first option. Then rinse the seeds and place them in a bowl or glass jar and cover with a towel. Leave it in this position for several days. Buckwheat sprouts are ready to eat immediately after they have sprouted. Buckwheat releases a gelatinous substance that must be washed off well to prevent mold from appearing.
Growing sprouts in soil
Another option is to place the seeds in soil. It is usually used for sprouts, which must be eaten with the green part. Buy soil and trays for the soil. Soak the seeds for one night, drain the water in the morning and leave them under a towel for 1-2 days. After the seeds have sprouted, place them in trays on the soil, water them and cover them with a thin layer of soil on top. Care for it as you would a regular houseplant.