Wildflower seed bombs
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Balls of clay, compost and wildflower seed rolled and dried, then tossed into bare ground to sprout. Two other methods too.
What You’ll Need
Method 1, the Fukuoka method
- 3 parts sifted compost
- 5 parts sifted clay (local or clay powder from a garden center)
- 1 part seed mix (wildflower mixes are great)
- A tray or bucket for mixing
- Water from a hose watering can, or squirt bottle
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Directions
- Sift the clay and compost to remove large particles.
- Put everything in the tray and mix it well.
- Sprinkle in a little water.
- Rock the tray or bucket in a circular motion until small clay balls holding seeds start to form.
- Keep adding water and rocking until all the material has turned into balls, none bigger than about half an inch across.
- Leave the balls in a cool, dry place for 24 to 48 hours to harden before scattering them.
Notes
Moisten and toss into hard-to-reach spots, or bury about halfway into soil. Store leftovers in a cool, dry place; they stay viable for a few years. Avoid neighbors’ yards and areas likely to be mowed or disturbed.
Safety: Use NATIVE wildflower seed for your region and never species that are invasive locally (asking your extension office). Don’t scatter on land you don’t have permission to plant. Wear gloves if your clay powder is dusty, and keep seed mixes away from pets and toddlers (some seeds are toxic if eaten). Use a food processor kept for crafts for the paper method.