Seed bombs are balls made from soil and clay that contain seeds. Throw a seed bomb onto a barren bit of soil, a neglected space or a hard-to-reach area of your garden and watch the flowers grow! 

This is a fun way to garden that both kids and adults will love. Thanks toTrillion Trees for the inspiration for this recipe.

Why make a seed bomb?

Seed bombs are used by gardeners (and guerilla gardeners), rewilders and farmers to get seeds into the ground in an easy, accessible way. The clay in the balls protects the seeds until they are ready to germinate. 

In the 1930s, Japanese natural farmer Masanao Fukuoka developed a seed bomb technique made from local clay. He used seed bombs to plant useful crops with minimal human intervention. His technique has been adapted for revegetation efforts around the world to help regenerate neglected land, protect soil from erosion and improve soil health.

What seeds to use in a seed bomb?

We want our seed bombs to do good, spreading life and supporting biodiversity. So it’s important to avoid using any seeds that are invasive to your local area. 

The best seeds to use are wildflower seeds native to your local region. 

For our local Boorloo and Walyalup areas of Perth, we recommend seeds such as: 

• Everlasting Daisy

• Purple Flag Iris

• Swan River Daisy

• Slender Lobelia

If you are growing the seeds in your vegetable garden, you could also try a mix of companion plants and pollinator-friendly flowers in your seed bombs. Things like marigolds, calendula, echinacea, cosmos and Queen Anne’s lace are all great vegetable companions. 

For more ideas, see our list of plants to attract beneficial insects.

How to make seed bombs

To make approximately 10 seed bombs, you’ll need:

• 1 spoonful soil / potting mix / compost

• 1 spoonful clay

• ½  teaspoon seeds

• Splash of water

Use clay without additives or chemicals such asCassie’s Clay from The Green Life Soil Co. For the potting mix / compost, use a nutritious, organic option such asNutraRich Potting Mix.

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients together until you have a dough-like consistency that holds together on its own. You may need to adjust the water content little by little.

2. Roll the dough into golf-sized balls and place on a baking tray to dry.

3. Optional: Allow the seed bombs to dry for 1-2 days until hardened. This will protect the seeds if you are throwing them into neglected areas that won’t be watered / maintained.

4. Throw your seed bombs into a garden bed or designated area. Water twice a week or place near reticulation, especially in warm and dry weather.

5. Watch your beautiful flowers emerge!

No need to reseed the same area each year - the seeds from the flowers you planted will lay dormant in the soil and resprout again naturally.

Tips for success

• Choose a variety of seeds to improve biodiversity.

• Sow your seed bombs during the planting season for the seeds you’ve selected.

• Water your seeds if the weather is dry. 

• Label your seed bombs if making batches with different seeds.

Seed bombs are a fun activity to do with family and friends, or give away as a gift. Get your hands dirty, help green up your environment and protect biodiversity in your local area!

Happy seed bombing!