Can I Grow Cat Sprouts in the Mason Jar?
Cat sprouts are made of cereal grasses or sprouted beans. These sprouts provide cats with a source of natural vitamins and minerals along with necessary fiber. Aside from nutritional benefits, sprouts ease indigestion, induce vomiting and aid in furball relief. Growing and caring for cat sprouts requires little effort, as the sprouts themselves are low-maintenance. Cat sprouts may might be grown in something as simple as a mason jar. Does this Spark an idea?
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Preparation
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Growing cat sprouts in a mason jar requires preparation. First, the jar must be clean. Whether the jar is new or used, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any dust, dirt or other substances that might affect the growth and health of your sprouts. Once that is complete, the sprout seeds should be placed into the jar and covered in cool water to soak overnight. This softens the seeds and helps them to grow more easily.
Rinse and Drain
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After the preparatory steps are taken, the seeds must be rinsed and drained. Rinsing and draining requires a screened lid for the jar, which can be purchased or made from a fine mesh screen over the top of the jar secured with a rubber band. The jar is tipped over, allowing the water to run out while the seeds stay in. The jar is refilled several times (rinsing) and drained several times. Rinsing provides your sprouts with moisture and should be done at least three times in succession each day. Draining removes excess moisture and prevents the sprouts from rotting in the jar.
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Placement
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Placing the jar upside down at an angle encourages further draining between rinsing/draining sessions. Any place you can situate the jar in this position is acceptable, but the easiest spot to turn the jar upside down is in your dish strainer. While sprouts do not require any particular light or heat levels, low light and a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for initial sprouting. If you wish to have the sprouts turn green, place them in a brighter location after a week or so. Never place your jar in direct sunlight or you risk cooking the sprouts in the jar.
Post-sprout
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Once the seeds have sprouted and turned green (if you choose), you have two options: you can plant the sprouts or use them directly. Choose a well-drained container filled with rich potting mix and gently situate the sprouts along the top of the soil, allowing them to take root and grow. The other option is to simply remove a clump of the sprouts and place them into your cat's meal or into a dish for your cat to graze on.
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References
- Photo Credit Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images
