Short answer: a basic sprouting kit is a 1-quart wide-mouth jar, a mesh sprouting lid, a bowl or stand to drain it upside down, and seed sold for sprouting. Add a tray sprouter for small seeds, a hemp bag for beans, or a clay tower to grow several batches at once.
Sprouting kit must-haves
| Item | Why you need it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-mouth glass jar, 1 quart (1 L) | Holds the seeds while they sprout | Mason jars are ideal |
| Mesh sprouting lid | Lets water drain out, keeps seeds in | Cheesecloth and a rubber band also work |
| Bowl or drying rack | Holds the jar upside down at an angle | Any small bowl will do |
| Seed sold for sprouting | Fresh, untreated seed | Start with mung beans, lentils or alfalfa |
That's all you need for your first jar. Follow sprouting in a mason jar to get started.
Nice-to-haves
| Item | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Tray sprouter | Spreads small seeds thin for better airflow |
| Hemp sprouting bag | Drains on its own; great for beans and grains |
| Clay sprouting tower | Grows several small batches at once |
| Bean screen lid | Wider mesh for big beans and easy hull removal |
| Salad spinner | Dries sprouts fast so they keep longer |
| Second or third jar | Keeps a rotation going for a steady supply |
Compare the sprouters in best sprouter: jars vs trays vs towers.
What you can skip
- Electric sprouters. Automatic rinsers work, but a jar does the same job for far less.
- Special water. Clean drinking water from the tap is fine for most people.
- Fancy stands. A bowl works just as well as a stand.
Building a starter sprouting kit
A simple kit for yourself or as a gift:
- Two wide-mouth mason jars
- Two mesh sprouting lids
- Two or three seeds: mung beans, alfalfa and broccoli
- A printed card with soak times: mung 6 to 8 hours, alfalfa 4 to 12 hours, broccoli 1 to 2 hours
- A link to the step-by-step sprouting guide
Two jars let you start a new batch every couple of days, so there's always one ready.
Caring for your sprouting supplies
- Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water before every batch and rinse well.
- Scrub mesh lids with a small brush to clear roots and hulls.
- Dry everything fully before storing.
- Replace hemp bags when they start to smell even after washing.
Clean equipment is one of the easiest ways to keep your sprouts fresh and safe.
Where to buy sprouting supplies
We link to sprouting lids, tray sprouters, hemp bags, and seeds from Sprouting.com. We earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
For growing microgreens, see microgreens supplies instead.
Seeds in this article
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start sprouting?
A wide-mouth glass jar, a mesh sprouting lid or cheesecloth, a bowl to drain the jar upside down, and seed sold for sprouting. That's enough to grow almost any sprout.
Is a sprouting kit worth buying?
A kit is handy if you want everything at once or a gift. If you already have mason jars, a couple of sprouting lids and a bag of seed are all you need, and they cost less.
What's the best sprouter for beginners?
A mason jar with a mesh lid. It's cheap, easy to clean and lets you see what's happening. Tray sprouters are a good second step for small seeds like alfalfa and broccoli.
Do I need special seeds for sprouting?
Yes. Use seed sold for sprouting. Garden seed may be treated with fungicide, and old pantry seed sprouts poorly.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
