Make Seed Bombs with the Kids

Looking for a unique project to do with the kids that is inexpensive and helps make your home and community a greener place? Consider making seed balls. Also known by their more intriguing seed bomb moniker used by Guerrilla Gardeners, these green boosters are easy to make with preschoolers on up.

Seed balls are a great way to toss a little love into a barren, neglected area. Fun for both kids and adults. Simply toss and wait for the rain to help the seed balls open up and germinate. Continue to keep an eye on the areas that you "bombed" to see the progress of the plants.

What you need to make seed bombs

Clay- Use natural red clay from the ground if you can. If not, you can purchase red clay, or use Crayola Air Dry clay.

Compost- Good quality, organic compost from your own compost container, or purchase compost or worm casings from a gardening supply store.

Seeds- Use varieties native to your region, herbs or cat and dog friendly seeds. The following list is a good starting place. If you have any questions, contact your local extension office for more information.

West Coast: Sweet William, cornflower, Shasta daisy, garland chrysanthemum, mountain phlox and California poppy

East Coast: Black eyed Susan, baby blue eyes, baby's breath, blue flax, dame's rocket, gloriosa daisy and coreopsis

Mid-West: Rose mallow, forget-me-not, prairie aster, wild larkspur and purple cone-flower.

Dog & Cat: Catnip, oats, rye and wheat

Herbs: Basil, dill, cilantro, chives and parsley


How to make seed bombs

This is a messy project; be sure to protect your work surface and wear clothes that can be easily washed.

Combine 5 parts dry red clay with 3 parts compost and 1 part seeds. Mix and then moisten with approximately 1 or 2 parts water. Roll into small balls and place on a couple layer of newspaper to dry.

If you are using Crayola Air Dry clay, roll a piece of the clay flat and then press the compost and seeds into it. Break off small pieces and roll into individual balls.

Let the seed balls dry. When you are ready to use them, simply toss into a bare area and wait for the rain. Of course you can water the little balls, but we like to just throw them here and there and are happily surprised when daisies or forget-me-nots are blooming a month later. The kids can look at it and know that they had everything to do with that little bit of beauty.


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