Last summer, the lentil sprouts I grew in the sprout jars did great. However, this past month they would not sprout much at all. I thought I had bought bad lentils, and refilled the jars with new lentils. Again, it was a week and a half, and hardly any sprouts.
I figured out what was hindering the germination - salt in the water softener hooked to our well water. I didn't even think about it. Apparently, the salt was shut off for watering the garden in the morning last year. At the same time the sprouts were rinsed. Makes sense. No salt in the well water.
Also, if your house is too cold in winter, it can also hinder your lentils from sprouting. Humidity can play a part in sprouts vs. no sprouts as well.
Another fact, is that our well water is freezing cold this time of year. It's pretty cold year round, but during winter, it is very cold. I have to set water out to get to room temperature, just to water plants.
I started a new jar of lentils, and soaked them in room temperature water, and did the daily rinse with lukewarm water as well.
We have sprouts! The chickens are super happy! It only took 3 days to sprout. I used a 1/2 cup of dry lentils, soaked them overnight, and rinsed each day after. I have a sprout tray, that holds the jars at a slant (and catches any water), and black out jar covers. In the past I covered them with a towel to block the light out, so you don't need a fancy tray (I do like mine however).
Growing Sprouts for the Chickens © March 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart