METHOD AND APPPARATUS FOR GROWING PEA SPROUTS

摘要

A method and apparatus for growing pea sprouts from seeds on a sheet of fabric, without the use of nutrients other than water, provides a cost efficient process for growing pea sprouts year round in a controlled environment. Polyester is a suitable fabric and a sheet of polyester is supported by a water-impermeable film. Water is supplied to the fabric and drained from the fabric on a continuous basis to maintain the fabric in a wet condition. Light from fluorescent lightbulbs is supplied intermittently. The environment is controlled in a temperature range of 18.degree.C to 20.degree.C and a humidity range of 70% to 85%. A seed box is provided to spread the seeds evenly onto the fabric. The pea sprouts are harvested by increasing the water flow and pulling the fabric past a cutter. The fabric can be located on a plurality of vertically spaced shelves and harvesting times can be scheduled to meet the market demand on a continuous basis.