Pioneer Woman at Heart

  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....

  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...