Garden Squares are a modular, seedable paper mulch made from spent brewery grains and other biodegradables. As the seeds germinate and transplants mature, the squares degrade to feed the soil with natural compost and nutrients. Easy!
For pre-seeded squares, arrange in your garden bed, cover lightly with soil (according to directions on the label), and water. Keep them well-hydrated during the first few days so they don't dry out. Soon you will see the seeds starting to sprout. Water often until the seedlings are well-established. Thin out the seedlings if necessary. Check out this three minute Demonstration Video for more information>>>
For pre-punched squares, use the holes to guide planting of your own seeds and seedlings you grow yourself. Cover with mulch if desired and water as you would normally.
Check out Gardener Supply Company's Gardening Encyclopedia and "how-to" guides for growing instructions pertaining to all types of vegetables and herbs.
Spent Brewery Grains are malted grains (mostly barley, but also sometimes wheat, oats, and rye) that are used in the process of brewing beer. They are high in cellulose, protein, and other nutrients that make good ingredients for garden compost. The grains provide food for soil microbes that go to work quickly decomposing the organic matter, which release nutrients for your plants.
At this time the squares are only available in 12" x 12" sizes. We are currently evaluating customer demand for larger sizes. Let us know what would work best for you!
We don't offer some types of plants in seed squares because of the length of time it takes them to mature over a growing season (such as tomatoes and peppers), which are usually started indoors and then transplanted. Some larger seeds are simply not well-suited to seed squares because of their size. However, if there is a particular type of seed you'd like, let us know and we'll see if we can make it!
Garden Squares are best at reducing weed competition during seed germination and a seedling's early growth stage, when plants are most vulnerable. Installed over a prepared seedbed, the squares creates warm, moist conditions for weed seeds in the soil to germinate underneath, and then be killed by the absence of light. As plants mature they will help shade out weeds on their own. We recommend installing a layer of mulch after seedlings are well established to further suppress weeds.
It depends. Squares will decompose faster in higher temperatures. Water and humidity will also speed decomposition. Generally the squares will degrade in 3-4 weeks as your plants start to mature.
Soil Squares are the best choice. They are available in four different hole punch arrangements (1-4-9-16), based upon the mature size of the plant you grow in each square.
To save time! Seed squares contain seeds spaced according to their mature size to maximize space in the garden. They save you time by reducing the need to plant seeds in the ground and hand-thin the seedlings as they grow.
Healthy plants depend on healthy roots, which need space to grow and plenty of organisms that will break down nutrients for the roots to consume. Squares help boost plant immunity by improving soil structure and delivering organic matter for microbes to feed on and multiply.
The squares themselves don't deter pests, but rather they help you grow plants that deter pests. Different species of flowers and herbs are known to attract beneficial insects that help repel pests naturally when located nearby plants that are susceptible to those pests (a practice known as "companion planting"). Square Companions are designed to help you know what to choose, and in which combinations.