1. Preserving jar
Using a preserving jar (or jam jar) and a fine-meshed material, e.g. absorbent gauze or fly screen gauze, it is quite easy to make your own germinator.
The seeds are placed in the jar and soaked in water so that they can absorb moisture. After a number of hours the water is poured off again so that the seeds obtain oxygen. To this end the fine-meshed material is fixed over the opening of the jar and the jar is placed at an angle in a container. The sprouts are then rinsed several times a day and the water flows off over the material.

2. Sprouter
This box is a professional alternative to a preserving jar or jam jar. It comprises a plastic tube which has sieves that screw into place at both ends. Thus the seeds may be rinsed with flowing water. The sloping position of the sprouter allows any excess water to flow off.

3. Germinator
Germinators comprise several germinating trays stored on top of one another. Beneath these is a collection tray; on the uppermost tray is a lid.
The trays are watered by pouring water into the uppermost tray. The water automatically flows through all the trays and is collected in the collection tray. Warning: If different varieties are to be grown, it is necessary to pay attention to the differing germination periods!
 
4. Cotton wool or kitchen roll
This method is particularly suited to germ buds such as flax seed, cress and mustard,   which tend to form slime. This method prevents the germ buds being enclosed by slime when rinsed with water and thus being suffocated. A drawback is that only the green leaves may be harvested.
The seeds are placed in a container on moist cotton wool or several layers of kitchen roll (if necessary allow to pre-soak beforehand). So that the seeds do not dry out they have to be sprayed with water at regular intervals. So as to keep the cotton wool or kitchen roll moist, small amounts of water should be placed in the container.