One of the easiest and fastest project to start kids on gardening is to grow alfalfa sprouts. Only a few supplies are needed and the sprouts ready to harvest in a week or two.

You need alfafa seeds, a quart-sized wide-mouth cannning jar, a new clean piece of window scree, panty hose, cheescloth or jar top made for aprouting and water.

Cut a piece of pantyhose or cheesecloth that you can put on the top of your quart jar. It needs to be big enough to drape over the edge at least an inch or so.

Measure and put a tablespoon or two of alfalfa seeds into your quart jar.

Pour some water in the jar so that the seeds are completely covered up.

Place the cheesecloth or piece of panty hose or other top on the the jar. Keep it in place by stretching a rubber band around the outer edge of the jar if necessary.

Place the jar somewhere where it won't get disturbed. Let the seeds soak overnight.

The next day, take the jar to a sink and turn it upside down to drain out the water. To start growing, the seeds need to be damp but not totally wet. Pour the water so the seeds spread out eveninly along the side of the jar. Place the jar on its side.

Every day, take the jar out two or three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening). Take it to the sink and put in some cool water. Rinse the alfalfa seeds by moving the jar around a little in a swishing and rotating manner. Each time be sure to drain the rinsing water so the seeds are just damp—not soaking wet!

Check out the little seeds. You should see little sprouts growing in 2 or 3 days, the sprouts will eventually grow to several inches tall.

Now you can eat them! The spouts can be eaten very small or when taller.