CREATE A REAL EXPLOSION OF COLOUR

Brighten up a desolate patch of land with easy to make seed bombs*


Making seed bombs and throwing, concealing, digging or just gently placing them in places that could use a little love - think vacant lots and random patches of public dirt - is a fun and productive way to get your hands dirty and adds a little (or a lot) of beauty to your surroundings.

Seed bombs or seed balls were created by members of the guerrilla gardening movement: green thumbed city dwellers, all over the world, who have been beautifying neglected plots of land since the Seventies.


Seed bombs are simple constructions of clay (lots of that in our garden!), water, compost or potting mix (or even worm castings), and native seeds. 

They're cheap to make, and make for an enjoyable afternoon project.  You don't even need to consider yourself a gardener.
The seeds of native flowers and plants are the most desirable for seed bombing, as they will grow well without a lot of tending.  

They also won't crowd out other plants, disrupt bird and insect populations or do any other kind of environmental damage.


METHOD


1   Lay the clay, seeds and compost on a surface that you don't mind getting dirty.

2   Divide them into five parts clay, one part compost (or potting mix) and one part seeds.

3   Form the compound for the outside of the seed bombs by combining the clay and the compost.  The clay might be tough until you've warmed it with your hands, so don't be afraid to get stuck in.  Adding a drop or two of water can make it more pliable, but don't overdo it, rub it together until it has a gritty, dough-like texture.  The mixture should be malleable, but not too sloppy. 

4   Add the seeds and gradually work them in, using the same rubbing and kneading method as before.  Roll into a long sausage, then tear the mixture into pieces about the size of a nectarine and roll into balls.


You can plant your seed bombs while they are moist or let them dry. As long as they are watered the clay will break down and the seeds will grow.  In a few weeks' time you should see your seeds starting to grow into beautiful plants and flowers for everyone to enjoy!

See also: 
http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/how-to-make-a-seed-bomb/
http://www.redtedart.com/2014/02/12/how-to-make-seed-bombs-recipe/


*From an article by Anna Carlile in the Telegraph