A sprouter for spring onions. 

As spring has sprung this year (finally), at home we're continuing a common Eastern European tradition of sprouting spring onions. We usually used to sprout these in little jars from sauces or something similar, but, as I have a 3d printer now, I can make something more appropriate.

This sprouter consists of 8 pieces - one base part that gets filled with water (called the planter) and 7 holders for the onions themselves so they don't soak in water and rot. All of the parts come pre-oriented and don't need a brim or supports.

The idea is to place your 7 holders into the sprouter (look at pictures 2 and 3) and fill the sprouter up with water until it is just above the holes of the holders. Lastly, place your onions and let them grow out roots and enjoy fresh green onion leafs or plant them in soil when summer rolls around. Once they drink the water up (and they will do so pretty fast) - fill it up through a hexagonal hole near 3 of the holders. This hole also lets you inspect the water level as it will always even out throughout all of the vessels. 

Print this from PETG. I used 0.18mm layers and a 0.6mm nozzle. Smaller layer heights make the print more water tight so I encourage that. PLA won't cut it for this one as it will soften up from the water and I'm not sure if ABS or ASA doesn't leak toxic stuff into the water so it's better not to use them as well. I think PC or PP might work, but haven't tried that so I can't comment on them.

This print uses a tiny amount of plastic, less than 100g for the whole print.

If your onions are chunky - just scale everything up as much as you need and it will still work. :)

The tolerances between the parts are 0.2mm so they are generous enough for most printers to print this successfully. 

Anyways, sprout some onions and make some cold borsch or just toss them in a salad, enjoy! :)

EDIT:

I've added a V2 version that has been redesigned somewhat to stop leaks, have the water distribute easier and that's way taller so it fits more water (and roots).

Important, print this one with organic supports!

Removing the supports is not needed, their job is to hold the circular planters up and on the hexagonal base.