Seed bombs have been used for years to restore native vegetation in degraded landscapes.
All you have to do is throw the seed bomb and wait for it to grow.
What is a seed bomb
A seed bomb, or a seed ball or grenade, is a small ball made of clay, compost, and seeds. The ingredients are rolled or moulded into a compact sphere, designed to be thrown or scattered onto bare soil or areas needing vegetation.
When the seed bomb meets moisture from rain or watering, the clay coating softens, allowing the seeds inside to germinate and grow. Seed bombs are often used in guerrilla gardening, reforestation, or restoring native plant species in degraded or neglected areas.
In fact, the method was even used to help rebuild koala habitats in the northern rivers after the 2020 fires.
Types of seed bombs to buy
- Native bird collections
- Koala food
- Bush tucker
- Australian native flowers
- Wildflowers for pollinators
The pros of seed bombing
Using seed bombs has several advantages over simply scattering handfuls of seeds. The clay surrounding the seeds helps protect them against hungry wildlife, shields them slightly against temperature extremes, and weighs them down so they don’t blow away in the wind. Once rain arrives to ‘explode’ the bombs, the clay and soil mixture gives the seeds the perfect start for germination.
On the other hand, the success of seed bombing depends on various factors such as weather conditions, soil quality, and seed viability, leading to unpredictable outcomes. Additionally, without proper management, seed bombing may unintentionally introduce or promote invasive plant species, disrupting native ecosystems.
How to plant a seed bomb
Planting your seed bomb is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose your location: Select an area with bare soil or vegetation that needs to be planted. Ensure the site receives adequate sunlight and has suitable soil conditions for plant growth.
- Timing: Choose an appropriate time to plant the seed bomb. Planting before a forecasted rain event increases the likelihood of successful germination, as the moisture helps activate the seeds.
- Deployment: Gently toss or scatter the seed bomb onto the targeted area. You can also press the seed bomb lightly into the soil.
- Watering: If it’s not forecasted to rain, water the planted area thoroughly to activate the seed bomb. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to support seed germination and plant growth.
- Monitor and maintain: Regularly check the planted area for signs of germination and emerging seedlings. Provide additional water to support plant establishment, especially during dry periods. Remove any weeds that may compete with the newly planted seeds for resources.
How to make a seed bomb
Materials needed:
- Clay powder or clay soil (can be purchased at craft stores or dug from your garden)
- Compost or potting soil
- Native wildflower seeds suitable for your region
- Water
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet or tray
- Optional: Gloves (to protect your hands from getting dirty)
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine three parts clay powder or clay soil with 1 part compost or potting soil. For example, if you use 3 cups of clay powder, add 1 cup of compost.
- Add seeds: Add a generous amount of native wildflower seeds to the clay and soil mixture. Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons of seeds per cup of clay mixture. Mix the seeds evenly into the mixture.
- Gradually add water: Slowly add water to the mixture, a little at a time, while stirring continuously. The goal is to achieve a dough-like consistency that holds together when squeezed but is not too wet. Be careful not to add too much water, making the mixture soggy.
- Knead the mixture: Once it reaches the right consistency, knead it with your hands to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should hold together easily without crumbling.
- Form seed balls: Pinch off small handfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a marble or golf ball. Place each seed ball on a baking sheet or tray as you make them. Continue until you’ve used up all the mixture.
- Let them dry: Allow the seed bombs to dry thoroughly on the baking sheet or tray. This may take 24-48 hours.
- Store or use: Once dry, your seed bombs are ready to be stored or used. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them, or distribute them to friends, family, or community members for guerrilla gardening projects.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
