"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~
Pioneer Woman at Heart
One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!
One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Hot Weather ~ Chit Chat
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Growing Sprouts for the Chickens
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
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
This and That
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Spring Fever? More like Spring Teaser
We are having some wonderfully warmer weather, causing spring fever around here, but it is more like a "teaser" for us. It will hang around a few days, and then return to colder weather.
The spring-like temperatures are making me yearn for the gardens again. Half of my chickens are laying again. Woohoo to that.
I'm also growing sprouts for a "spring" weather treat for the chickens. They will be tickled pink when they are ready.
I was just reading about how lettuce will thrive better, if you plant it with your chives. Have any of my garden growing blogger friends done this?
My chives are in my herb garden, so I am hesitant to plant anything but herbs in the same area, so I don't bring in any bugs/worms that may be attracted to it. I once planted Swiss chard in my herb garden, and it grew wonderfully (without any additional insect issues).
The idea of trying this method, with the lettuce, is intriguing. One, the lettuce would be closer to the house, making salads quicker to make, and two, if it is true then we'd have more in abundance. I'm reading that the chives actually keep the bugs away from the lettuce.
Spring Fever? More like Spring Teaser © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Sprout Jar/Rack/Tray Kit Update
You can go to my post HERE to see the jar/rack kit I purchased. I bought it on Amazon, but can't remember the brand etc. Anyway, I love this set! The jar lids are wide lids, and fit any wide lid 1 quart jar (came with 2 as well). The lids have groves to hold the jars sideways, which is needed to keep the jars drained between daily rinsing, and the tray underneath is perfect to catch any drips. I had been using a kitchen towel. Anyway, this was the next day after soaking and rinsing day 1. Works perfect, and no hassles trying to balance the jars on the counter.
This was 2 days after initial soaking. By the way, I soak for the first day, rinse and drain for the night. I rinse daily. I will be sprouting some microgreens for us soon using these. Current sprouts are lentils, I sprouted for the chickens. I take the black out cover off to rinse, then wipe the jar and cover again.
Day 3 after the initial soak and drain.
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Sprouts for my Chickens
I'm growing sprouts for my ladies (chickens) right now. So easy to do, healthy and fun for the chickens, and in expensive to do.
I bought a large splatter screen at the nearest Dollar Tree store. You can of course, order a seed sprout lid online as well.
I then used my quart jar to draw a template, and then cut those out to match the tops of the jars. Simple right?
Fill your quart jar with water to the top. Each day, soak, dump and rinse. You can get complete instructions online (never leave them soak over night).
After each day of that process, I let it sit upside down on a towel for a bit. I wanted to make sure all of the older water was out before leaning the jar on it's side, and covering with a towel. It gets air flow, and sprouts grow this way. They have gadget kits for standing your jar(s) tilted. I'm just easy peasy, use what I have right now.
In about 3-4 days your sprouts will look like this. Fun for the ladies and healthy for them too.
Has anyone sprouted other grains or beans for their chickens? So far, I have only used green lentils.