If you’re feeling creative and want to try new things in your garden and within your community, seed bombs are a must-try.
I created seed bombs and went to the park and woodland to throw them, and it was absolutely worth it. Seed bombs are a great and fun way to help encourage biodiversity around a city or in your own garden! It’s an awesome activity that will introduce your friends, family, and even kids to the world of gardening! With minimal effort, you can do your own part to help the earth. It’s a creative and effortless way to plant and also to recreate habitat, and encourage wildlife to return.
What Are Seed Bombs?
Seed bombs, often called seed balls, are small, compact balls formed from clay, compost, and seeds. They began as a guerilla gardening strategy for regenerating abandoned urban locations, but their use has now spread to home gardens and community projects. The idea is straightforward: encapsulate seeds in a protective mixture that can be readily thrown or placed in appropriate areas. Once the conditions are ideal, the seeds germinate and grow, resulting in rich patches of greenery and flowers.
How To Make Your Own Seed Bombs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of clay
- 2 cups of compost
- 1/2 cup of worm casting (optional)
- Native wildflowers seeds
- In a large box, combine 1 cup of clay, 2 cups of compost, and native wildflower seeds
- Gradually add water and mix until the mixture has a dough-like consistency
- Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a marble.
- Place the seed bombs in a separate container and allow them to dry overnight
- Once dry and ready, you can throw them around (garden, park, woodland, or any green area around you)
The Benefits of Seed Bombs
- Ease of Use: One of the primary benefits of seed bombs is their simplicity. There is no need for digging, tilling, or complicated planting methods. Simply throw or plant the seed bombs in your garden, and nature will take care of the rest.
- Protective Layer: The clay and compost mixture that surrounds the seeds acts as a protective barrier, shielding them from severe weather, pests, and birds. This enhances the odds that the seeds will germinate and grow successfully.
- Versatility: Seed bombs can be utilized in a variety of settings, including the backyard, urban areas, vacant lots, and even pots and planters. They are ideal for regions where conventional planting methods are difficult.
- Encourages Biodiversity: By combining different seeds, seed bombs can help increase biodiversity. They can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, resulting in a healthier and more dynamic ecology in your garden.
- Educational and Fun: Making and planting seed bombs is an excellent exercise for both children and adults. It provides hands-on learning experiences in gardening, ecology, and plant life cycles.
A Few Extra Tips
When sourcing seeds, make sure to get native wildflowers! This will not only provide an ideal food source for insects and wildlife but also regenerate land thanks to the plant’s ability to store and accumulate carbon, retain moisture, and improve soil structures. Plant your seed bombs during the appropriate season for the seeds you’ve chosen. Spring and early fall are usually the best times. If also possible, water the area where you’ve thrown the seed bombs to give them a good start. Natural rainfall can also do the job. Most importantly, keep an eye on your newly seeded area. If it looks dry, give it a little extra water.
Happy growing!
