Whatever Happened To Seedsheets Garden Kits After Shark Tank Season 8?
If you ever wanted to try your hand at growing your own food but you didn't know where to start, you're not alone. According to a survey conducted by the National Gardening Association, 41% of households grew their own food in 2021, a major increase in recent years that was likely brought on by the pandemic (via KTVU). Cameron MacKugler, however, was ahead of the curve with his pitch on season 8, episode 20 of "Shark Tank."
MacKugler's business, Seedsheet, is all about making growing your own food more accessible. Instead of having to head to the garden center, pick out seeds or expensive already-sprouted plants, and individually plant each fruit, vegetable, or herb, Seedsheet allows you to do it all in one simple step. This product is basically a large tarp with tiny pockets full of seeds. The customer lays the tarp over a bed of soil, pins down the edges, and waters daily, and they should be left with a flourishing garden in just a few weeks.
Seedsheet on Shark Tank
During his pitch on "Shark Tank," self-proclaimed "Vemontrepreneur" Cameron MacKugler stated that he was seeking $500,000 for a 10% stake in his company, Seedsheet. He began with a quick demonstration of how easy his products were to use and also showcased a few of the items he had available. At the time, the company sold build-your-own Seedsheets as well as pre-planned kits of herbs and vegetables to make their own tacos, cocktails, or hot sauce.
By far, the most memorable portion of the pitch, however, was when MacKugler challenged "Shark Tank" star Mark Cuban to set a world record with the Seedsheet. Because of the product's easy-to-use design, Cuban was able to set the record for precision planting 7,000 seeds. After this demonstration, there was a bit of a bidding war between the Sharks, but MacKugler eventually agreed to a 20% for $500,000 deal with Lori Greiner.
Seedsheet after Shark Tank
After making this deal with Lori Greiner, it appears that Seedsheet gained quite a bit more traction than they previously had. Greiner helped the company boost sales by promoting the product on "QVC," where it quickly sold out. Seedsheet also appeared on "The View" and "Good Morning America," which helped to further increase its customer base.
The original episode of "Shark Tank" aired in April of 2017, but the rise of new home gardeners as a response to the pandemic in 2020 also helped to bump up sales and keep the momentum going a few years later. Because the process of planting Seedsheets is so simple and doesn't require much thought or experience, it was a popular choice for beginner gardeners who wanted to explore a new hobby while stuck at home. This ease of use, along with the built-in weed control, continues to attract both inexperienced and experienced gardeners who want to explore new methods of planting.
Is Seedsheet still in business?
Seedsheet is still in business and appears to be doing fairly well. The company has discontinued sales of its smaller kits in favor of sheets designed to cover larger beds, but the company still appears to be raking in plenty of solid testimonials from satisfied customers. Currently, the company offers eight different options for medleys of vegetables, herbs, and fruits on its website, each priced between $119 and $139. They also continue to offer custom Seedsheets for between $129 and $149, depending on how many plants you select.
In addition to its popular sheets, the brand also sells a few gardening accessories to help guarantee success, like a Telescoping Water Wand, a SUPER Fertilizer, and a Raised Bed Trellis Net. Overall, they seem to be working to ensure that their customers are satisfied with their products and the results they yield, even if it means recommending extra fertilizer or having a fairly lax satisfaction guarantee and return policy.
What's next for Seedsheet
Since Seedsheet discontinued the production of their smaller kits and pot-based sheets, it appears that they're focusing primarily on audiences that have more space and time to devote to their gardening projects. Seedsheet's current selection of products requires a raised garden bed to cultivate rather than just a pot on the porch. With that being said, however, the brand is still catering its products to beginners, often sharing gardening tips, simple recipes, and testimonials from satisfied customers on its social media.
Since Seedsheet began growing as a business, it also started supporting various charitable causes. In July of 2023, the brand donated 25% of every order to provide resources for Vermont residents affected by flooding. They also partnered with KidsGardening in April of 2022, donating one Seedsheet for every $100 spent on their website. The brand hasn't shared any plans to roll out new products, but it's clear that whatever it does in the future, it's going to be in an effort to get people active and involved in home gardening.