Seed bombs date back to the 1930’s when Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese microbiologist had many areas of his farm that were overgrown with weeds.  He created seeds bombs and spread them throughout his farming land and found this to be an effective way of farming and eco-friendly as well.  Urban settings also utilized seed bombs in the 1960’s and 1970’s when they were used to clean up urban neighborhoods and create “green spaces”.  Seed bombs are great gift for family and friends as well.

What is a Seed Bomb and How Do We Make Our Own?

Seed bombs are a combination of seeds, clay and compost placed together to be placed or thrown in areas that need beautifying.  The clay mixture protects the seeds from creatures that would eat it (ex. insects and birds) and the compost provides the nutrients for the seeds to germinate and grow.  

What You Need: 

• Powdered Clay (can be found at craft stores or on-line or air-dry clay)

• Potting Soil or Compost

• Native/Local Wildflower Seeds (not all seeds will germinate so use a variety of native, non-invasive wildflower seeds)

• Water

• Container for Mixing

Let’s Make Seed Bombs:

Mix All Ingredients –

• 1 Cup Seeds  

• 5 Cups of Soil or Compost

• 2-3 Cups of Clay Powder (Air Clay can also be used, but adjustments as to the amount of clay may be needed.

Slowly mix in water with your hands until everything sticks together, then roll mixture into firm balls.  Balls can also be formed into fun shapes like hearts or stars too.  Place seed bombs in an area to dry. 

Once seed balls are dry and the weather is warm enough then it is time to plant the seed bombs.  Plant your seed bombs by throwing them at bare spots of your garden and wait to see what pops up!  

Photo Credit: en.permawiki.org (1), www.pexels.com (2,5), flickr.com (3), University of MN Extension (4)