This is the one we have used with success. I've also heard of making them with shredded paper, but I have not tried it yet!
Seed Balls
Background: Cultivation and reforestation using seed balls has been in use since Native American tribes farmed this way. The practice was reintroduced in the 1930s in Japan by natural farming pioneer, Masanobu Fukuoka. He used seed balls to grow grains in dry areas.
Today, seed balls are used around the world to revive or cultivate vegetation in barren areas without having to till the land. In cities all around the U.S., seed balls have become tools of an environmental movement called "guerilla gardening". Seed balls get tossed onto unsightly, abandoned lots in an effort to spruce up neglected neighborhoods and grow wholesome food.
The seed balls we are making use native wildflower seed, compost, powder clay and water.
Materials:
Directions
-
Talk about seed balls and show a sample. Explain that there is a problem of expanding deserts and decreased biodiversity (variety of species) due to human activity. By making and tossing seed balls we are helping alleviate those issues.
-
Explain that we will be getting our hands dirty and campers can wash up when we are done.
-
Have campers measure:
-
3 parts compost
-
1 part seed
-
Campers mix these together thoroughly.
-
Campers add in 5 parts clay and mix well.
-
You slowly add 1 part water (or a little bit more), campers mixing by hand until well blended. You know you have the right consistency when the mixture holds together in a ball without falling apart.
-
Mold into balls about ¾ inch in diameter. Lay them out on the garden tray in the sun to dry. Allow campers to make two each or use up the mix. They may take one home and take the group (if there is time) up on the hillside to toss one ball in the long grassy areas.
-
Let campers know that they can toss the other in vacant area or plant them at home.
Your camper helped to make "seed balls" and has brought one home today.
Seed balls are used around the world to revive or cultivate vegetation in barren areas without having to till the land. In cities all around the U.S., seed balls have become tools of an environmental movement called "guerilla gardening". Seed balls get tossed onto unsightly, abandoned lots in an effort to spruce up neglected neighborhoods and grow wholesome foods or native flowers.
You could also plant yours in your home garden or in a pot of soil to grow at home. Just snuggle it in the soil, leaving half or it exposed.
The seed balls we made use native wildflower seed, compost soil, powder clay and water.
------------------------------
Laura Aprill
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2025 11:50:49 AM
From: Coreen Howland
Subject: Try Something New – Kids Garden Month Challenge #2
I want to try making seed bombs ! Does anyone have a recipe that they like ?
------------------------------
Coreen Howland
Ipswich Housing Authority
Ipswich MA
Original Message:
Sent: 04-01-2025 08:41:30 AM
From: Amelia Dupuis (she/her)
Subject: Try Something New – Kids Garden Month Challenge #2
Hi everyone! One of the Kids Garden Month challenges is to try something new! Read a book on a new garden topic, take a class, grow something new, make a new garden recipe – the sky's the limit!
What new thing(s) (big or small) are you trying??? It might inspire someone else!
Note: This is part of the Kids Garden Month Challenge and everyone who responds will be entered to win prizes!
All of the details about Kids Garden Month, the different challenges you can participate in, and the prizes (including a garden bed from Vita!) are on this page.
------------------------------
Amelia Dupuis
Kids Garden Community Manager
KidsGardening
she/her
------------------------------