Make seed bombs yourself: instructions, recipe and helpful tips

Seed ball, seed bomb or seed bomb are actually balls that are formed from soil and clay and contain plant seeds. This is handcrafted and if it is rock hard there is no need to plant straight away. A seed ball can be stored in a dry, dark place for up to 2 years. During this time it is also transportable. Once you have reached your destination, you can simply throw the ball onto the desired area of ​​earth and wait. The seeds are activated the next time it rains and begin to germinate. The best thing about it is that you can make seed bombs yourself and give them as an original gift, for example. This means the recipient can grow their own easy-care bouquet of flowers.

The seed bombs are lovingly made by hand. There are different opinions about when and where they were invented. The idea probably came from the ancient Egyptians. This way they could quickly cultivate their farmland when the Nile flooded. Later, the Japanese dropped seed balls from airplanes over large fields, sowing large areas of land at once. This type of planting became very popular in the 1970s, when many people protested against air pollution and concrete deserts. Seed bombs are also used today for precisely this purpose: to beautify neighborhoods, inner cities, balconies, etc., to create colorful islands in dreary corners and of courseto grow your own plants.

How is the preparation done?

The seed bombs consist of a rock-hard mix of soil in which the seeds are well embedded. The first step to making your own seed bombs is to carefully sift the soil. The seed balls should remain free of stones and twigs. Add some clay powder and of course seeds to the soil. Everything is then thoroughly mixed with water and kneaded into a moist, sticky mass. This is then divided into portions and formed into balls about 2.5 cm in size. Then air dry the seed bombs until they are rock hard. They are then ready for use for up to two years.

Which seeds to use and when to throw them?

Local varieties of useful and ornamental plants such as flowers, herbs and vegetables are particularly suitable for homemade seed bombs. Above all, you should choose plant species that are easy to care for so that they have a good chance of survival. Traditional annual plants or summer flowers such as: marigold, coneflower, mallow, cornflower, chamomile, corn poppy, nasturtium are suitable for this. Logically, you first choose the location you want to plant and only then do you search accordinglythe appropriate plant species. Wild plants that grow regionally may be the best choice because they have little requirement for substrate and lighting conditions. Seeds from dandelions or dandelions, poppies, dost and sorrel can be found and collected on a walk anyway. Children can also be involved.

It is important to coordinate the seeds and the location. It is also worth throwing the seed bombs when the weather is favorable. Depending on the weather, the ideal period varies. However, the best conditions for planting usually exist between April and August. Until then, the seed bombs can be stored in a dry, dark place for up to two years.

The preparation is also suitable for children

Making your own seed bombs is exciting and a lot of fun for children. Even small children can take part in mixing, shaping and dropping the seed balls. At the same time, they get to know nature and understand the special conditions for plants and animals in urban areas. With a little effort and for little money you can make your own seed bombs. Here we provide a recipe with the most important ingredients for the DIY project.

Make your own seed bombs: instructions

To make your own seed bombs, which provide the seeds with optimal starting conditions, you only need a few ingredients. In addition to the right types of seeds for the location you want to plant and have already chosen, you also need some soil and clay powder or alternatively cat litter. It doesn't have to be special soil. Simple compost or garden soil is perfect for this. It contains the necessary nutrients and only needs to be sieved and the coarser parts removed. If desired, you can add a little humus, fertilizer or an organic oneWaste from the kitchen like coffee groundsor add eggshells to improve the substrate.

The third ingredient for the perfect homemade seed bombs is clay powder. Clay refers to various types of earth that are rich in minerals and trace elements. This valuable powder is often used in natural cosmetics. As an inexpensive alternative to DIY seed bombs, you can also use cat litter, which is available in almost every supermarket. You have to make sure that it consists of 100% bentonite and does not contain any additives, such as fragrances or dyes.

Just a recipe idea

Ingredients for 6 seed bombs:

• 1 TL Together
• 4-5 tbsp soil
• 4-5 EL Tonerde oder Bentonit

Tools: a large bowl or other container, a mixing spoon andWater.

Sift soil and mix with seeds. Crush cat litter or bentonite if necessary to create a better bond. Put everything in the container and pour water over it until you get a smooth but still firm mass. Form six balls about the size of a walnut and spread them on a surface or an egg carton and let them dry for a few days.

Also suitable for planting

When the day of sowing has arrived, you can finally plant the seed bombs. As a rule, they can be placed directly at the destination or thrown in places that are difficult to access. You don't have to bury them in the ground, etc. The seeds need a lot of water, especially at the beginning. In general, you should make sure that the seed bombs never dry out. Unfortunately, it can also happen that you have done everything right and are still not looking forward to the lush flowers. It often happens that cheeky birds steal the seeds.

Nicely packagedThe homemade seed bombs are a wonderful small gift for hobby gardeners or for people who would like to start gardening. Properly stored in a cool, dry place, the seed bombs can be kept for up to two years.