A Sprouting Dilemma

Grow a garden in just a few inches of space, right on your kitchen counter!

I have seen that kind of statement in various places, and of course I am interested, so I read on, and quickly discover that we are talking about sprouts.

I like sprouts. I even eat sprouts regularly, and have begun my own "kitchen garden in a few inches of space," but it just doesn't satisfy my desire for gardening. So instead of just a few inches of space, my kitchen garden includes quite a variety of things.

I usually have 2 or 3 sprouters growing different types of sprouts at the same time. If you have only ever eaten sprouts from the grocery store, you may be wondering why I would want to grow that many sprouts. Have you ever tasted broccoli sprouts? How about radish? Or onion? How about nuts or grains? If all you are familiar with is alfalfa or clover sprouts (the kind you usually get at the store), it might be interesting to explore the variety of sprout seeds available. My favorite place to look for sprouts is Sprout People.

The tricky part for me with sprouts is timing. Do I sprout several big batches at the same time? Do I sprout small batches, staggering the start day? Which three types of sprouts will I most want to eat in 3 or 4 days when they are finished? (I have 3 sprouters, this limiting the batches I can grow.) Oh, the dilemmas of sprouts.

My kitchen counter includes my sprouters, and also a couple of planters full of herbs. Currently I have my newly planted dill, basil, and parsley, as well as a planter full of chives. The rest of my herbs have to live out on the patio, or scattered throughout the rest of the house.