Seed bombs are an effective way to transform dreary areas into a colorful flower meadow. They look back on a long history, because the balls filled with seeds prove to be extremely practical. The seed is optimally protected from natural predators until the next rain and cannot be blown away by the wind or washed away by the water. It's not difficult to make seed bombs yourself.
story
Opinions differ as to when seedballs were invented. Some theories say that the ancient Egyptians tilled the land with the help of seed balls. They were an effective way to take advantage of the optimal conditions after the annual Nile flood. The Japanese used seed bullets during World War II. They were thrown out of planes so that even large fields could be cultivated when there was a shortage of manpower.
In the 1970s, seed bombs literally flourished. Many people threw the balls to protest against air pollution, concrete deserts and the increasing development of urban green spaces. This idea has prevailed to this day. The goals are diverse:
- transform dreary inner cities into blossom-filled backdrops
- beautify the neighborhood or the way to work
- deliver food
- ensure a quick change in the garden or on the balcony
Seed bombs are now available from numerous nurseries or local retailers at prices between 8 and 16 euros. In addition to the typical spherical balls, there are more unusual variants such as heart-shaped seed bombs. The products are lovingly handcrafted and often contain regional seeds, which supports the local flora. With just a few ingredients, you can make your own seed balls and either give them away or use them yourself.
Ingredients for seed bombs
To make seed balls yourself, you need potting soil. To protect the bogs, make sure that they do not contain peat. The potting soil serves as a nutrient substrate for the seedlings. Clay ensures that the seed bombs hold together well. Brown, red or ocher clay is available in the garden center so that you can vary the color of the seed balls. Seed is mixed into the substrate. You can either fill your balls with seeds from one plant species or create a colorful mixture.
If you want to produce seed bombs with vegetables, base the composition on mixed cultures, or focus on one type such as pumpkin, radishes or chives. Plants with similar site requirements are suitable for a colorfully mixed seed ball:
- “Field strips”: cornflower, marguerite, poppy, corn radish
- "Mediterranean Ball": lavender, sage, thyme, oregano
- “Bee Friendly”: Corn Carnation, Bee Friend, Larkspur, Blue Spreader
- "Butterfly splendor": Adonis, dyer's chamomile, yarrow, angelica
- "Shade compatible": cranesbill, borage, woodruff, chervil
preparation
Fill a large bowl with 3 parts clay and sift 5 parts soil over it so that the coarse particles are sorted out. Mix the substrate well. Slowly pour in some water and knead the mixture so that the clay powder mixes well with the water. In the end, a tough mass should form that can be easily formed into balls. If the substrate is too watery, add more clay. The seeds are then incorporated.
Notice: The mass should now be processed quickly and not stored for long, as the clay hardens quickly.
Instructions for shaping
Take small portions from the bowl, no bigger than a walnut. This ensures that the seed bombs dry completely before the seeds start to germinate. Roll the dough between your hands and form a ball without using much force. The result is a round ball with a smooth surface that does not crumble.
Place the balls on an absorbent surface, such as newspaper, to dry. Egg boxes are a space-saving and stable alternative that can also be easily moved when full. The seed balls are stored here for about one to two days until they are ready for use. When fully dried, the seed bombs will last for about two years. Jute bags are suitable for storage, as they ensure optimal air circulation.
Tip: You can also dry the balls in the oven. Set the oven to the lowest setting and hold the door open with a knife to allow moisture to escape.
Application of the seed balls
Spring is the ideal time of year to distribute the seed balls. Just before the next rain starts, you should bring the balls to their destination. Just throw or lay them on the ground without burying them. Sunlight is important for the seeds to germinate. Highly overgrown meadows or hedges are therefore not suitable for shade-intolerant species. Hard-packed soil and areas with dense grass growth are also suboptimal. Here the seedlings can take root badly.
Instructions for use
Seed bombs should only be used in urban areas. They do not belong in nature reserves because they destroy the natural composition of species here. The balls have no place on agricultural land or on third-party private property either. In urban areas, seed bombs are a creative way to increase biodiversity and promote urban greenery.
Please note, however, that planting plants in public spaces is considered property damage by law. However, criminal prosecutions are unlikely and are the exception rather than the rule.