Seed bombs

Preparation:

Learning about seed bombs

Seed balls in Wikipedia article

What You Will Need:

• Pollinator blend seeds.
• Modelling clay.
• Compost.
• Mixing bowl.
• Optional: Other seed types, e.g. native trees or flaxes.
• Optional: Food colouring.

What to do

Seed bombs are made from a dried clay and compost mix containing seeds. They can be thrown into suitable areas so the seeds will germinate and to create a wild 'garden' of flowers that bees and other pollinators will love.

This is what a seed bomb looks like once finished and dried.

How to make seed bombs

1. Put 5 parts of modelling clay with 3 parts compost or potting mix into a mixing bowl. Mix in two or three teaspoons of your selected seeds.
2. Add a small amount of water to form a paste that sticks together without being watery.
3. Roll the mix into balls about the size of ping pong balls. They could be smaller if you choose.
4. Place the balls to dry in the sun or a warm place for a couple of days.

Choose where and when to throw your bombs

The best location is where the ground is largely bare. It could be wasteland, an eroded area, or an area that has had a recent fire. Make sure you have permission before dispersing your seed bombs.

Seeds germinate best in the early spring when the ground is moist and conditions are warming up.

Go do it!

Try to throw the balls so they land on bare ground or in cracks and gullies. Spread them around and as far and wide as you can.

Hints and tips

Videos to view:

Picture credits: Seed bomb (Herder3, CC-AS3.0).