Sowing balls are a simple and environmentally friendly way to transform bald areas into flowering landscapes. Whether in the garden, on the balcony or in the great outdoors - colorful flowers and useful plants can be sowed with little effort. Sowing balls are particularly popular because they are not only decorative, but also offer insects such as bees and butterflies valuable food.
Which is the right place for seed balls?
Sowing balls are perfect for gardens, balconies, flower pots or even fallow areas in nature. It is important that the soil is not too hard or sealed so that the seeds can germinate.
Important:Choose a place that is accessible to both plants as well as for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and pay attention to sufficient sun and moisture for strong plant growth!
When is the best time for sowing?
Spring and summer are the ideal seasons to make seed balls. You need enough warmth and moisture to germinate. Onset of rain can also promote growth. However, the right time for sowing depends on the seeds contained and the weather conditions.
How to use seed balls correctly
In this guide, we show you how to use seed balls correctly so that the seeds germinate and grow optimally.
1. Surprise or placement
Sowing balls can either be thrown or placed in a targeted manner, depending on where they are to be used.
- The litter method("Seedbombing") is particularly suitable for wastelanding areas, wildflower meadows or dreary green strips. The seed ball is simply thrown on loose, uncovered earth. This method is used to transform dreary places into flowering landscapes.
- The targeted placementis ideal for gardens, flower pots or balconies. Here, the seed ball is carefully placed on moist earth or slightly pressed on to facilitate the germination process. This method is particularly practical if it is to ensure that the plants have enough space to grow.
Important:Loosening the soil before placing or throwing seed balls is not absolutely necessary, but can make germs of the seeds easier.
When does it make sense?
- Hard, compressed floor(e.g. dry, solid earth) can make root of the young plants difficult. A light loosening with a rake or a small shovel helps the seed to grow faster.
- Very dry soilsTake up better after loosening water, so that the seed balls get moisture faster.
2. Sufficient moisture
A light, even moisture is the key to enable the plants to start an optimal start!
Natural rainwater is ideal because it slowly softened the balls and stimulates the seeds to germinate. If it stays dry, the seed ball can be carefully moistened with a watering can or a spray bottle.
Important:Avoid waterlogging! The ball can dissolve too much water before the seeds can take root.
3. The waiting is worth it
Sowing balls need time to germinate and grow. Depending on the type of seeds and weather, it can take several days to weeks to see the first green shoots visible. Some plants germinate faster, others need a long time.
Here are some examples of quickly germinating plants and those that need more time.
Fast germinating plants (approx. 5–10 days):
- cress- visible after 3–5 days.
- Marigold- often germinate after 5–7 days.
- radish- The first leaves after about 5–7 days.
- Dill- usually germinates within 7–10 days.
Medium to slowly germinating plants (approx. 10–30 days):
- Mohn- often takes 10–20 days to germinate.
- Wildflower blends- Different germ times depending on the type of seed, usually between 7 and 21 days.
- Lavender- often only visible after 14–30 days.
Very slowly germinating plants (30+ days):
- Echinacea (Sonnenhut)- Can need up to 3–4 weeks to germinate.
- Thymian- often only visible after 20–30 days.
- Bell flow- often need more than a month to germinate.
4. Let the plants grow!
After the seed balls have been applied, it is important to let nature run its course. Plants need time to develop, and every kind grows at its own pace.
Sowing balls are designed in such a way that they dissolve themselves and germinate the seeds under the right conditions. Fertilizers or repotted are usually not necessary. The more natural the environment remains, the more comfortable bees and butterflies feel. Pesticides and artificial fertilizers should therefore be dispensed with.
Seed bombs are also suitable as gifts on very different occasions.
Where can you use seed bombs?
Before you spend seed bombs, you should know where your use is allowed and where it can be problematic.
Allowed places
- Own garden or balcony- Here you can use seed balls without restrictions.
- Private property (with permission)- If you have the approval of the owner, nothing stands in the way.
- Flower sponsorships or urban gardening areas- Some cities or initiatives offer areas where seed balls are welcome.
Forbidden or problematic places
- Public green areas & parks- These areas are targeted and self -sowing can be seen as an intervention.
- Agricultural areas- Farmers manage their fields in a targeted manner and foreign plants could cause problems.
- Private properties without permission- The spending of seed balls on foreign soil can be seen as property damage.
- Nature reserves & wild meadows- There is often a strict protection here, since foreign plants can disturb the ecological balance.
