Sprouting alfalfa seeds at home doesn’t require a garden, sunlight, or any expensive gear. All you need is a few simple tools and a clean space on your kitchen bench. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential sprouting equipment and explain what each item does so you can get started with confidence.
Why You Don’t Need Fancy Equipment
One of the best things about growing alfalfa sprouts is how little it takes to get started. Unlike microgreens or full vegetables, alfalfa sprouts don’t require soil, lights, or pots. In fact, most beginners start with just a jar, a lid, and some seeds—and that’s often all you need.
Here’s a breakdown of the most useful sprouting tools, from basic to optional upgrades.
You can buy our complete easy Alfalfa Sprouting Kit here.
1. A Clean, Wide-Mouth Jar
The most common and convenient container for sprouting is a glass jar. A 500 mL to 1 L wide-mouth jar works best. It gives enough space for air circulation, easy rinsing, and seed expansion.
- Why wide-mouth? It makes rinsing and draining easier and gives sprouts room to breathe.
- Tip: Glass is preferred over plastic because it doesn’t hold odours and is easier to sterilise.
You can often reuse a clean pasta sauce jar if it’s large enough and has a smooth rim.
Buy our sprouting jars here.
2. Sprouting Lid or Mesh Cover
A sprouting lid is a fine mesh or perforated top that allows water to drain out while keeping the seeds inside. It replaces the standard jar lid and lets you rinse the seeds easily under a tap.
Types of sprouting lids:
- Stainless steel mesh lids: Durable, rust-resistant, and reusable
- Plastic lids with holes: Lightweight and easy to clean
- Cheesecloth + rubber band: Great DIY option for beginners
Any breathable material that allows drainage and airflow will work as long as it stays clean.
3. Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds
Of course, no setup is complete without the seeds! Choose high-quality alfalfa seeds certified for sprouting to ensure safety and good germination.
Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons per jar. Alfalfa seeds swell and grow rapidly, so a small amount goes a long way.
Buy our Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds here.
4. Clean Water
Sprouting requires daily rinsing with clean, cool water. If your tap water is high in chlorine or you’re concerned about contaminants, use filtered water or boil and cool your water beforehand.
✔️ Rinse seeds at least twice a day to keep them hydrated and to wash away waste and any potential bacteria.
5. Jar Stand or Draining Setup
While not essential, a draining stand or rack makes sprouting easier by keeping the jar tilted upside down between rinses. This improves airflow and drainage, reducing the risk of mould or soggy sprouts.
You can also rest the jar at an angle in a bowl or dish drainer with the mouth facing down and slightly raised.
Tip: Avoid letting water pool at the bottom of the jar—sprouts need to drain fully to stay healthy.
Optional Sprouting Tools
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to try other sprouting methods. Some optional tools include:
- Sprouting trays: Great for growing larger quantities or mixing different sprout varieties
- Sprouting bags: Cloth bags (often hemp or cotton) that allow airflow and can hang to drain
- Light grow mats or heat mats: Useful in cooler climates or low-light homes, but not essential for alfalfa
Sprouting trays are ideal if you’re producing daily harvests or experimenting with seeds like mung beans, broccoli, or radish sprouts.
How to Keep Your Equipment Clean
Cleanliness is critical when growing any kind of sprout. Always:
- Wash jars and lids thoroughly between batches
- Use hot soapy water or boil jars for 5 minutes to sterilise
- Dry everything fully before storing
✔️ Wash your hands before handling seeds or sprouts to reduce the risk of contamination.
Minimal Setup, Maximum Freshness
To recap, here’s a simple starter kit for alfalfa sprouting:
- 1 wide-mouth glass jar (500 mL–1 L)
- 1 mesh lid or breathable cover
- Certified sprouting seeds
- Filtered or cool tap water
- A draining dish or rack
You can add trays, bags, and extras as you go—but even with this minimal setup, you’ll have fresh, crunchy sprouts in less than a week.
Next Steps: Start Sprouting!
Now that you know what equipment you need, you’re ready to get growing. Follow our detailed guide to learn how to sprout alfalfa seeds step by step:
👉 How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts at Home
