What’s Inside: In this article I do a deep dive on where to buy seeds for sprouting. I share my favorite place to buy sprouting seeds that I’ve been doing business with for about five years. I also share what to look for when buying sprouting seeds on Amazon. Finally, I share some of my favorite sprouting seeds to start with, if you’re new to sprouting.
Sprouting is a fun and easy way to add nutritious and flavorful ingredients to your meals. But not all seeds are suitable for sprouting, and you should take care when selecting the seeds. Where is the best place to buy sprouting seeds, and what should you look for to get the best seeds?
You should buy sprouting seeds from reputable and reliable suppliers. Buy seeds specifically intended for sprouting. to avoid contamination by fertilizers, chemicals and pesticides, choose organic, non-GMO seeds labeled specifically for sprouting.
Sprouting is a favorite food-growing method of mine, and I will guide you on where to buy seeds for sprouting and what to look for when selecting seeds. I will also highlight some of the best seed varieties to use for sprouting to help you on your way to growing your own delicious and nutritious sprouts at home.
This article includes affiliate links.
Key Takeaways:
- Sprouts are super nutritious, but not all sprouting seeds are created equal.
- True Leaf Market is my favorite place to buy sprouting seeds, because they test all of their seeds for viability, so you don’t get duds. They also have excellent customer service.
- When buying seeds, look for seeds that are organic, and non-GMO. You also want to buy from a company that sells seeds that are fresh, and have a high germination rate.
- It’s best not to buy seeds from your grocery store for sprouting, because they have a limited variety, may be old, and may have chemicals and contaminants.
Where To Buy Seeds for Sprouting
Sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can boost your immune system, aid in digestion, and promote overall health and wellness. However, not all seeds are created equal in terms of health and success in sprouting. It is important to use high-quality seeds specifically intended for sprouting.
There are several places to buy seeds for sprouting, depending on your location and personal preference.
One of the most convenient options is buying seeds online from seed companies and retailers specializing in sprouting seeds. These online stores typically offer a wide variety of organic, non-GMO seeds specifically selected and tested for sprouting.
Another option is to visit local health food stores and co-ops, which often carry a selection of sprouting seeds. These stores may also carry sprouting kits and sprouters to help you get started.
If you prefer to buy your seeds in person and support local farmers, farmer’s markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs are great options. Many farmer’s markets offer locally grown sprouting seeds, and CSA programs may include sprouting seeds in their weekly or monthly produce boxes.
True Leaf Market for Sprouting Seeds
True Leaf Market is my go-to source for buying sprouting seeds. I have been using them for a long time as my main supplier.
True Leaf Market supplies high quality sprouting seeds and supplies. They offer a wide selection of organic, non-GMO seeds specifically intended for sprouting, including various grains, legumes, and vegetables.
One of the reasons I am a loyal customer is that True Leaf Market provides high-quality, fresh, viable seeds that are safe for consumption.
They test all their seeds for germination rate and purity and offer detailed product descriptions and growing instructions to ensure that customers get the best possible results.
In addition to sprouting seeds, True Leaf Market also offers sprouting kits and accessories, as well as gardening supplies and tools for all levels of growers. They also have a knowledgeable customer service team available to answer questions and provide support.
I highly recommend True Leaf Market as a great option for anyone interested in buying high-quality sprouting seeds. They are my tried-and-true trusted source for sprouting seeds and supplies.
Amazon for Buying Sprouting Seeds
Amazon is another good online resource that carries a wide variety of products, including seeds for sprouting. While Amazon is a convenient option for buying sprouting seeds, it’s important to exercise caution and do your research when selecting a seller.
When buying sprouting seeds on Amazon, look for sellers offering high-quality, organic, and non-GMO seeds specifically intended for sprouting.
It’s also important to read customer reviews to ensure the seller has a good reputation for quality and customer service.
It’s worth noting that some sellers on Amazon offer lower-quality seeds not intended for sprouting. They may be contaminated with harmful chemicals. Be sure to read the product description carefully and look for any certifications or labeling that indicate the seeds are safe and intended for sprouting.
If you buy sprouting seeds on Amazon, follow the seller’s instructions carefully to ensure you get the best possible results. If you have any questions or concerns about the seeds, don’t hesitate to contact the seller or Amazon’s customer service for support.
Some reliable sprouting seed sellers I can recommend on Amazon include Todd’s Seeds, Nature Jims, Food to Live, and Handy Pantry, which is actually owned by True Leaf Market.
No matter where you choose to source your seeds, looking for high-quality seeds specifically intended for sprouting is important. This will ensure you get the best possible results and avoid contamination or low viability issues.
The Sprouting Book: How to Grow and Use Sprouts to Maximize Your Health and Vitality (Amazon) is an oldie but goodie.
It’s a great place to start if you want to learn more about the health benefits of sprouting, and sprouting method basics.
What to Look for When Buying Seeds for Sprouting
When buying seeds for sprouting, there are several key factors and characteristics to consider to ensure that you buy high-quality, viable seeds that are safe for consumption.
Here are some important things I recommend you look for when selecting sprouting seeds.
- Organic certification and non-GMO labeling. Look for seeds that are certified organic and/or labeled as non-GMO. This ensures the seeds are not treated with harmful chemicals or genetically modified.
- Seed freshness and viability. Choose seeds that are fresh and have a high germination rate. Seeds that are too old or have been stored improperly may not sprout or may sprout poorly.
- Variety and diversity of seeds available. Look for seed companies that offer various sprouting seeds, including different types of grains, legumes, and vegetables. This will allow you to experiment with different flavors and textures in your sprouts.
- Reputation and customer reviews of the seed company. Read customer reviews and do your research to ensure that the seed company you are buying from has a good reputation for quality and customer service.
Why Not Use Grocery Store Seeds for Sprouting?
While it may be tempting to use seeds bought from your local grocery store for sprouting, it’s generally not recommended for several reasons.
- Limited variety and quality of seeds. Most grocery stores only carry a limited selection of seeds, and these seeds may not be intended for sprouting. They may also be of lower quality, as they are often stored for long periods in less-than-ideal conditions.
- Unclear origin and age of the seeds. When buying seeds from a grocery store, it’s often unclear where the seeds were sourced from or how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf. This can lead to a lower germination rate and poor sprout quality.
- Risk of contamination and pesticide exposure. Seeds intended for sprouting should be free from harmful chemicals and contaminants. However, seeds bought from a grocery store may have been treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals that inhibit growth.
For these reasons, buying seeds specifically intended for sprouting from reputable seed companies or retailers rather than your grocery store is best. This ensures you use high-quality, safe seeds that yield healthy and delicious sprouts.
The Handy Pantry Sprout Garden 3-Tray Stackable Sprouter is my favorite sprouter. What I love about it is that because they stack, you can grow a lot of sprouts in a small space. I bought two sets, so I have 6 trays of sprouts going all the time. You can get it here on Amazon, or from True Leaf Market.
Best Seeds to Use for Sprouting
You can use many different types of seeds for sprouting. Each has their own unique flavor, texture, and nutritional profile.
If you are a beginner at sprouting, I recommend you try the following options to see which flavors you prefer.
- Alfalfa. Alfalfa sprouts are mild in flavor and high in nutrients, omega-3, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, B complex, C, and chlorophyll.
- Clover. Clover sprouts have a sweet, mild flavor and are a good source of protein, fiber, iron, calcium, folate, vitamin C
- Broccoli. Broccoli sprouts have a strong, slightly spicy flavor and are rich in sulforaphane, vitamin A, B-complex, C, E, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, fiber, chlorophyll.
- Lentils. Lentil sprouts are nutty in flavor and high in protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A, C, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Mung beans. Mung bean sprouts are crisp and refreshing, with a slightly sweet flavor. Sprouts are rich in protein, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5.
- Radish. Radish sprouts have a sharp, peppery flavor and are high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin A and C.
- Wheatgrass. Wheatgrass sprouts are sweet and earthy in flavor and are packed with nutrients, including chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. Note that it’s best to make juice with wheatgrass. You can pick up a manual wheatgrass juicer (True Leaf Market) or an electric one like this one from Amazon.
Conclusion
Sprouting seeds can be a new and rewarding way to add fresh, healthy greens to your diet. When sourcing seeds for sprouting, it’s important to choose high-quality, organic, and non-GMO seeds that are specifically intended for sprouting.
By selecting the best seeds for sprouting and following proper growing techniques, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious sprouts that can be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. So why not try sprouting and enjoy the many health benefits of fresh homegrown sprouts?
Related Articles
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- Storing Seeds Long Term
- How to Store Sprouts
- Why Every Prepper Should Add Sprouts and Microgreens to Their Prepper Pantry