How to Sprout Peas With Paper Towels

To start pea seeds to sprout using paper towels, you only need the most basic supplies. The paper towels act as a substitute for firm soil to hold the pea sprouts in place in a glass jar. Once done, the containers can be set in any well-lit area or windowsill to grow. It is interesting to watch the seeds grow and it is a great learning experience for kids to see how plants begin to grow. Sprouting your own peas is also a healthy, quick and economical way to grow sprouts for consumption.

Things You'll Need

• Clear glass jars
• Paper towels
• Water
• Scissors (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash and clean glass jars for growing pea sprouts. Use recycled glass jars you save from products you bought or use mason jars.

2. Fold a piece of paper toweling so it is doubled. Then wet it. If the piece is too large for the jar, cut it to fit inside the jar when folded.

3. Insert the folded paper towel into the jar and line the sides of the jar. You are papering the inside of the jar, but leaving the center empty to make sure air will circulate in the jar. It will be easier to add more water if needed and add or remove any sprouts or seeds with the center of the jar empty. Make sure the ends overlap so the jar is completely lined.

4. Put the pea seeds inside the jar between the paper lining and the glass so you can see them from the outside. Disperse them around the paper toweling so they are not touching each other. You should be able to fit at least 10 to 30 seeds in a large mason jar or large mayonnaise style jar, less in smaller jars.

5. Put a half an inch to an inch of water at the bottom of the jar. The paper towel will absorb the water as it dries and keep the pea seeds moist so the sprouts will be able to grow.

6. Set in a well-lit and warm area to grow.

7. Add water to the jar as it needs it. Peas should sprout in about 4 to 7 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the peas at least an inch from the bottom of the jar or above that level so they are not sitting directly in the water all the time.

• Choose jars that are large enough to get your fingers or hands in so you can maneuver inside the jar.

• Do not keep the seeds too wet or out of the light or they may rot.

References

• Primal Seeds: Conditions for Sprout Growth
• The Farm: Growing Sprouts