The patented, green, double layer sandwich-like structure of the Hamama Seed Quilt is the brainchild of pioneering plant scientists Camille Richman and Daniel Goodman. These two, working with a team of botanists, hydrologists and growers from across the globe have secured the exclusive rights to germplasm in order to commercialize this revolutionary new technology that has a number of exciting new uses for people today. Not only can it be used as a food, but it can also be used to make clothes, fabric softener, medicine and other medical devices that benefit humans and the environment.
Microbial growth is essential for all life and the most efficient way to facilitate such growth is through the use of seeds. In this case, the two botanists and the growers are able to introduce specific types of microgreens into their host plant, in this case, the hamamia. The resulting product is what is called a “microbial bloom,” which is made up of a complex mesh of mostly vegetarian and fruit growing microgreens. The resulting product, the Hamama Seed Quilt, is a completely natural, sustainable product that is healthy, good for your garden and good for the environment.
The key to growing microgreens is through the use of the right temperature and moisture levels. These two factors are the driving force behind how the seeds germinate and grow. Microorganisms thrive best in a warm, humid environment. Plant physiologists understand that if you plant seeds in a cool location with high humidity you will have little to no chance of success because dampness and warmth do not contribute or encourage development. Richman and Goodman figured that if they could make a structure that had both high moisture content and heat it would be much easier for the seeds to germinate and grow.
The first step to growing microgreens is by dividing the square or rectangular area you have into sections and then planting each section at its own four corners. This would create six separate patches of approximately the same size. With this arrangement, the top layer of soil would be completely covered with rich, dark compost containing the seeds of the microgreen micrograsses, the bottom layer would contain the top layer’s microgreens, while the middle layer contains a mix of decomposed bark and husks as well as a binder of partially decomposed bark and husks.
As the seeds sprout and grow, they are driven by light and then fed through a feeding tube into the center of the square area. Then, for a short period of time, the top layers of the six sections of the hamama would be topped off with a thin paper cover. This paper cover would collect the microgreens as the seeds were still small enough not to fall through the crackle-berry coating on the underside. These are the microgreens that would go on to grow to full size quilts.
After three months pass, it is time to spread the seed quilt out. The design is usually laid out in four quadrants, but it can be laid out in whatever proportion is more convenient. The seeds are now filled on the inside of a heavy muslin tarp. At this point, the quilt can be laid out free standing or put into a frame. Be sure to fill the tray with a weight, so that the seed does not sink into the quilt while it is still in the frame.
A key part of making a hamama seed quilt is to have a slow growth mulch between the bottom of the Growing Tray and the seeds. This provides a place for moisture to seep in and stay. This makes sure that all the moisture stays in the fabric and does not run off somewhere. To complete the design, it is time to start stitching the quilt blocks together. Make sure to use long thread for the bigger quilt pieces. It will also make it easier to seep the last little bit of the seed quilt into the fabric before it is taken to the store for sale.
There are a few other things to keep in mind when caring for a micro green. Always check the water level. If the water level grow too fast, the microgreen will not have a chance to develop fully. When the water level is right, the plants can actually grow up to eight inches tall. That is quite an accomplishment!