Growing Organic Arugula Sprouts in a Jar

Step-by-Step Instructions and Tips for Successful Sprouting

Learn how to grow organic arugula sprouts in a jar with our ultimate guide! Whether you're a home gardener or interested in indoor gardening, this informative artile provides step-by-step instructions and valuable tips for successful sprouting. Discover the benefits of sprouting arugula and master the art of growing your own nutritious and flavorful arugula sprouts at home.

Introduction to Arugula Sprouts

Arugula sprouts are young, tender shoots that are harvested from arugula seeds as they begin to germinate. These sprouts are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a popular choice for home gardeners and individuals interested in indoor gardening.

What are Arugula Sprouts?

Arugula sprouts, also known as arugula microgreens, are the early seedlings of the arugula plant. They are harvested when the first true leaves appear, typically within 7-10 days of sprouting. Arugula sprouts have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor, similar to mature arugula leaves, and are rich in essential nutrients.

Benefits of Growing Arugula Sprouts at Home

Growing arugula sprouts at home offers numerous benefits. First, they are a convenient source of fresh greens year-round, especially for those who may not have access to an outdoor garden. Second, arugula sprouts are incredibly nutritious, containing high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and various B vitamins.

Getting Started

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions for growing arugula sprouts in a jar, it's essential to gather the necessary materials and understand the key factors fur successful sprouting.

Choosing the right arugula sprouting seeds

When selecting arugula sprouting seeds, it's crucial to opt for organic arugula seeds specifically labeled for sprouting. These seeds are free from any chemical treatments and have a high germination rate, ensuring a succellful sprouting process.

Selecting a Suitable Jar for Sprouting

A wide-mouthed glass jar is an ideal vessel for sprouting arugula seeds. The jar should be large enough to accomodate the seeds and allow for easy rinsing and draining. Additionally, the jar should be transparent to allow some light to reach the sprouting seeds.

Preparing the Jar for Seeds and Sprouting

Before starting the sprouting process, thoroughly clean the glass jar with hot, soapy water and rinse it well. Then measure the appropriate amount of arugula seeds according to the jar's size and the desired quantity of sprouts. Guidlines about the quantity will be on the container of seeds that you buy.

The jars you see on the left are the jars I started growing microgreens with. Even though I was clueless at the time, I had success the first time, and everytime afterwards, with these jars.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Growing Arugula Sprouts

Now that the preparations are complete, it's time to start the journey of growing arugula sprouts in a jar. The following step-by-step instructions will guide you through the entire sprouting process.

Step #1 - Soaking the arugula seeds

Begin by placing the measured arugula sprouting seeds in the clean glass jar. Add enough room temperature water to cover the seeds and allow them to soak for 8 - 12 hours. This initial soaking kickstarts the germination process.

Step #2 - Rinsing and draining the seeds

After the initial soaking period, drain the water from the jar using a fine-mesh sieve or by covering the jar's opening with a piece of cheesecloth and carefully pouring out the water. Rinse the seeds with fresh water and drain them thoroughly. Repeat this process once a day, ensuring that the seeds remain moist but not water logged. The sprouting jars in the above picture make this process easy. You pour fresh water into the jar and them empty the water into a sink. With the mesh lids on the jars, the sprouts stay in the jar and you don't have to use a sieve or strainer. Then, just place the jars back on the stand and they will continue to drain. Easy. Peasy! Very soon, you'll start seeing the sprouts grow!

Step #3 - Harvesting the Arugula Sprouts

Around day 7-10, the arugula sprouts will have developed their first true leaves and are ready to be harvested. Gently remove the sprouts from the jar, rinse them one final time, and pat them dry before use. Then, just enjoy! Check out our recipe section to get ideas and recipes to use your healthy, nutritious sprouts!

Tips for Successful Arugula Microgreen Sprouting

To make sure successful your arugula microgreens sprouting is successful, it's important to provide the right environment for the seeds to thrive, anticipate common issues, and maximize the flavor and nutrition of the sprouts.

Providing the right environment for sprouting

During the sprouting process, maintain a consistent temperature of around 71 degrees Fahrenheit and be sure that the sprouting seeds are exposet to indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the sprouts to over heat and dry out.

I started my first sprouts by using the sprouting jars and putting them on top of my refrigerator. They got indirect sunlight from the kitchen window and I was reminded to rinse and drain them once daily when I went into the kitchen.