SeedSheets are biodegradable mats embedded with perfectly spaced seed pods, designed to simplify gardening by eliminating the guesswork of spacing and thinning. Follow this guide to get your garden growing quickly and easily. Learn on how to plant your seedsheet with the easiest manner.
How To Plant Your SeedSheet: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparation is Key: Choosing Your Location and Soil
The success of your SeedSheet starts with the right environment.
Choose the Right Spot for Sunlight
Select a planting location that aligns with the needs of the plants in your SeedSheet (e.g., vegetables typically need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Prepare Your Planting Area
Whether you are using a raised garden bed, a large container, or a plot of ground, ensure the area is ready.
- Clear the Area: Remove any existing weeds, grass, or large rocks.
- Loosen the Soil: Lightly loosen the top 2–4 inches of soil with a trowel or rake. The goal is to create a soft, even surface for the SeedSheet to rest on. Deeper tilling is not strictly necessary.
- Moisten the Soil (Optional but Recommended): Lightly pre-water the prepared soil to ensure a good base level of moisture before laying the sheet down.
2. Laying Down the SeedSheet
This is the fastest part, where the guesswork is removed.
Unroll and Position the Sheet
Carefully unroll the SeedSheet over your prepared soil. Position it so the designated plant spots are in the desired layout.
- Ensure Good Contact: Gently press the entire sheet down to ensure it is in direct contact with the soil underneath. This is crucial for the seeds to germinate properly.
Secure the Edges
The SeedSheet typically comes with stakes or pegs to hold it in place.
- Pin It Down: Use the provided pins or stakes to secure the corners and sides of the sheet firmly to the soil. This prevents wind from blowing the sheet away and keeps it taut and flat against the earth.
Initial Watering to Activate
The first watering is the most important, as it starts the dissolving process.
- Water Gently and Thoroughly: Use a gentle shower setting on a hose or watering can to avoid washing the seed pods away. Water the entire surface until the biodegradable material is fully saturated and starts to look dark and soft. The sheet will begin to break down into the soil.
3. Post-Planting Care & First Sprouting
Consistent care is essential in the initial days for successful germination.
Maintain Moisture
The seeds need constant moisture to sprout, especially while the sheet is dissolving.
- Daily Check: Check the sheet every day. The surface should remain moist, but not soaking wet.
- Light Spritzing: If the surface looks dry, water lightly with a gentle spray or mist.
Wait for Sprouting
Depending on the seeds in your particular sheet, sprouting times will vary.
- Typical Timeline: Most seeds will begin to sprout within 7 to 14 days (some faster, some slower).
- Remove any Weed-Blocking Fabric (If Applicable): If your SeedSheet included a separate, non-biodegradable weed-blocking fabric component, you may need to remove it once the seedlings are strong enough, following the specific product instructions.
Continued Growth
As the plants grow, they will break through the remaining material.
- No Thinning Required: Since the seeds are perfectly spaced, you do not need to thin the seedlings.
- Soil Enrichment: The SeedSheet material will continue to break down, acting as a small buffer to help retain moisture and enriching the soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The SeedSheet’s seeds are embedded at the correct depth within their dissolvable pods. Do not cover the sheet with extra soil, as this can prevent or delay germination. Just lay it directly on top of your prepared soil.
Use a good quality potting mix for containers or amended garden soil for beds. Since the SeedSheet takes care of spacing, focus on soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
While some smaller, older versions were designed for pots, most current SeedSheets are designed for raised garden beds or larger containers that can accommodate the full size and spacing of the mature plants. Check the dimensions and plant list on your specific package.
Nothing! The sheet is made from biodegradable, often plant-based, materials that will dissolve and decompose naturally into the soil as you water and as your plants grow.