Well what can I say– things are sprouting up around here!  The greenhouse is full, the garden giving and I too am perking up a little. *(For those of you who read this blog solely for gardening info, and I know there are at least a few of you– the posts of this year have been very belly and baby centric so back to gardening– at least for the moment.)

Before we jump into the gardening season though, I thought I would share what we have been growing all winter because even if you don’t have a greenhouse you too can grow all kinds of food in your windows, little sprouted food.

Recently I taught a class to Cooking with Kids teachers about indoor gardening and I think the most successful one was the one on Micro Greens.  Growing your own is so very easy and really only takes about 10 days from sowing to harvest so you really can be constantly growing food in a tiny space.  NPR even did a little story about them a few years back when they were all the new rage.

You basically soak the seeds in water over night (or not, it just speeds up the process a bit).

Sow your chosen seed THICKLY in your chosen container (you don’t really even need to have holes in the bottom but I use plastic or wooden flats).

Cover with some soil (or a wet towel or soaked newspaper like the Santa Fe Sprout lady does).

Keep moist to the touch, watering every other day or so.

Place in a warm, sunny window (the more sun the better a south-facing window with direct sunlight all day is ideal).

Here is a great little video from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply on how they do it.

You can harvest at cotyledon stage or when they get there first true leaves or when you get around to it!

I usually get about 1lb per flat to give you an idea.

I have done Brassica micro greens ( including Broccoli, Mustard, Kale, Cabbage) here is their list of what can be grown as micro greens…Johnny’s has a great selection too!

Peas Shoots ( field peas work great and are cheaper than snow pea seed)

Buckwheat sprouts

The ever popular Sunflowers Sprouts (a great one for kids, they taste great and kids can help remove the seed coats or little hats before harvesting which saves you a lot of trouble in the washing)

Winter Rye ( or Easter Grass)

And whatever else you can think of.

When you get what your can eat from them, off to the chickens ( or worms, wild birds or compost pile) they go.

Fresh, quick, easy and abundant– they best kind of food!!