Seed bombs are a timeless planting technique and an exciting activity for kids. Made of clay-based balls that contain compost or soil as fertilizer and covered in wildflower seeds, seed bombs are then dropped on the ground to spread their seeds across miniature gardens.
Innovative Approaches to Addressing Conflicts Between Humans and Wildlife
One of the leading causes of human-wildlife conflict are land use issues, including livestock killings, habitat destruction and property damage. Although various methods exist for mitigating these conflicts, nonlethal solutions often prove most successful - one such approach involves seed bombs: small balls made up of clay and compost which are dropped in barren areas to encourage plants to flourish.
These "green grenades" were first employed in the 1970s by guerrilla gardeners known as The Green Guerrillas to introduce greenery and pollinator habitat into urban environments and neglected areas. Utilizing ancient Egyptian techniques for planting seeds encased in clay and soil for protection from animals and birds while organic material helps them sprout, these seeds are now available through various companies as well as being made by hand using compost and clay at home.
Making seed bombs yourself requires selecting the proper ingredients. Wildflower seeds native to your region will ensure the greatest chance for success; use fast-growing flowers that attract bees and butterflies - such as buddleia, fox gloves or lavender for best results.
Throw your seed bombs onto a piece of publicly owned and accessible land, such as an abandoned lot or unattended roadside median. After rain, check back afterward to ensure your bombs have succeeded! Look out for seedlings and blooms to ensure success!
Seed Bombs are a Nonlethal Solution
Seed bombs are small balls of compost, clay and wildflower seeds designed to bring greenery and vibrant pollinator habitats to urban landscapes. Additionally, these bombs help reseed natural plants in wild areas; popularized by guerilla gardeners - like one group known as The Green Guerrillas who began by throwing these "Seed Green-aids" (a play on "grenades") into Manhattan's run-down lots and crumbling cityscapes.
Reforestation efforts using seed balls from airplanes have also proven highly successful, such as in Haiti in the 1980s and Kenya more recently. While seed-ball technology dates back centuries, Japanese natural farming guru Masanobu Fukuoka revitalized it to reduce ground disturbance and intensive weeding requirements.
Though you can throw seed bombs anywhere and hope they grow, careful consideration before planting can ensure better results. In general, use seeds that are native to the region where you're planting them as these species have evolved in that ecosystem and know exactly how best to thrive there.
Organic potting mix and water are also necessary components, with the latter providing moisture essential for successful germination of seeds. Depending on which kind of seedlings you're planting, additional fertilizers might be necessary as well.
They are Easy to Make
Seed bombs are easy to create and are an enjoyable project for children of any age. From your yard to public spaces, seed bombs are an easy and fun way to rewild your environment, feed wildlife, and provide habitats for pollinators populations. Plus they make for great gifts at special events like Earth Day, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas or Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations!
Recycled paper, clay, and seeds are the basic components needed for creating this project. When selecting seeds to plant in your region and adapt to its climate, select seeds that grow from seeds rather than bulbs or tubers to avoid introducing invasive species into local ecosystems.
Once your seeds have been blended with clay, you can begin creating seed bombs. Either simply roll or use your hands to shape the mixture into little balls; adding different colored paper strips makes for eye-catching bombs!
Soak the paper and clay mixture in water until it becomes moist, or for several minutes at least. Leave your seed bombs outside to be activated by raindrops, or plant them directly into potted potting soil - either way allows you to monitor their progress as they grow!
They Are Effective
Seed bombs are balls of compost, clay and seeds enclosed within protective wrapping. When released into their environment - such as roadsides or railway tracks - these bombs provide vital nutrients until their roots take hold, while protecting from wash-away or blow-away. First developed in Japan during the 1930s by Masanobu Fukuoka who advocated "no-till" farming to restore degraded forest lands with new life.
Seed bombs can be created from wildflower seeds and compost, or native tree or shrub seeds if you wish. For creation, you will require a handful of seeds, a bowl, spoon and piece of paper for measuring purposes; baking paper or tray will come in handy when drying your bombs out.
Before creating seed bombs, check your seed packet's germination rate and plant them in areas where they will thrive - for instance weedy medians, abandoned lots and woodland edges that won't be cut regularly are great places for this experiment.
Keep non-native species out of your garden as they could become invasive and choke out other vegetation, and opt for wildflowers native to your region instead. To add color and variety, seed bombs could add visual interest.
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