There are different types of seeds that are good for growing into sprouts Mel. Here in Oz, the most common ones are mung beans and alfalfa. There are others like your lentils, but these seem to be the most common ones.

Basically all you need to grow your own is a jar, water, warmth and some of your time.

There are three main ways of growing sprouts. Use one of those bought sprouters, a jar (which is simple), or sow them in a seed tray. I've never used the seed tray option so I can't help you there. That must be the one you mentioned with the organic soil that was on the UTube video.

The general rule is the smaller the seed, the more sprouts you'll have when they germinate. For example one tablespoon of mung bean seeds can sprout to produce one or more cupfuls of sprouts. Alfalfa seeds are smaller, so you'd get more sprouts with those.

Using the jar method :

To begin......cover the beans with warm water and let them soak for six to eight hours. Drain well, and leave the seeds to germinate overnight. Rinse thoroughly .

Put the seeds into a jar, and place a piece of gauze or similar material over the top and hold it in place with a rubber band. Any open weave material that allows the air to move around your bean seeds would do...(like curtain netting).

You might want to put them by the window, but not in the direct sunlight. There needs to be just enough indirect light to get them going – and if you set your jar at a 45 degree angle, upside down.... the water drains out. Some sort of drainage is essential because if the water sits, then bacteria can breed. That might be why your last lot smelled awful. Bacteria tend to make things smell.

Once you get them started, sprouts need little maintenance, but you should rinse them three times each day. Fill the jar up with water, swish it around, then let it all the water drain out. Most sprouts are ready to eat within 3-4 days.

I hope this helps a bit..........good luck!

Here are a few sites I found for you that have info about growing your own Mel :

http://www.helium.com/items/583751-h...w-bean-sprouts

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MV024

http://www.cityfarmer.org/sprout86.html

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=F-1V4vtV8Yo