DIY Seed Balls
What are seed balls? Seed balls are small, compact balls made up of a mixture of seeds, clay, and compost. They are a fun and creative way to spread the love of gardening, and are an easy way to practice “random acts of gardening” They make great gifts and kids love making seed balls.
Supplies:
- Gather the necessary materials:
- Seeds: Choose seeds of plants that are suitable for the environment you plan to distribute the seed bombs in. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil conditions, and climate.
- Compost or potting soil: This will provide the nutrients necessary for seed germination and initial growth.
- Clay powder: It acts as a binding agent to hold the seed bomb together.
- Water: You’ll need water to moisten the mixture and help it form into a cohesive ball.
- Optional: Natural dye or powdered natural pigments for coloring the seed bombs (non-toxic and environmentally friendly options).
Instructions:
There are a variety of ways to make seed balls, but this is how I made mine.
- Mix the ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine the compost or potting soil with the clay powder in a 3:1 ratio (three parts soil to one part clay). Mix them thoroughly.
- Add the seeds to the mixture and gently mix them in, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
- Add water and form the seed bombs:
- Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring. The goal is to achieve a moist but not overly wet consistency that allows the mixture to hold together.
- Once the mixture reaches a workable consistency, take a small handful and form it into a ball shape. If it crumbles, add a little more water. If it’s too sticky, add more soil or clay powder.
- Repeat the process until you’ve used up all the mixture and formed several seed bombs. Make them small enough to be easily thrown, but large enough to hold the seeds.
- Place in a sunny window. Allow the seed bombs to dry and harden for at least 24 hours. This helps them hold their shape and prevents premature germination.
Deploying your seed bombs.
- Select a suitable location: Choose an area where you want to introduce the seeds. It could be a vacant lot, a part of your yard or garden, a roadside verge, or any other appropriate space where you would like to add color. If you aren’t planting in your own yard, be sure you have permission to access and plant in the chosen location if necessary.
- Deploy the seed bombs: Once the seed bombs have dried, toss or gently place them in the desired area. You can scatter them by hand or use a slingshot, seed bomb launcher, or other devices designed for this purpose. Aim for an area that provides sufficient space for each plant to grow without overcrowding.
- Post-planting care: Depending on the seed varieties, local climate, and conditions, you may need to provide some post-planting care. This could include watering the area regularly, especially during dry spells, and protecting the newly sprouted seedlings from pests or other potential threats.
Happy Gardening!
Seed-balls.com has a variety of seed balls you can purchase, as well as more information. I purchased my clay from amazon.com but was it was made by seed-balls.com. You can visit their website for more options.
Karen
I am an amazon affiliate. Any purchase you make while on the link will provide me with a small commission.
Happy Gardening!
Karen