Seed balls are a fun and easy way to grow plants or edibles in your yard. Kids love to make the balls and “planting” is a cinch. When the plants grow, they’ll attract local wildlife like birds and butterflies!
What You Need
- 5 parts baking flour or dry red clay (also called terra cotta clay)
- 1 part mixed wildflower seeds (make sure to use seeds native for your area)
- 3 parts soil humus or compost (potting soil is okay, too)
- 1 part water
- Large bowl or container
- Tray, plate, cookie sheet, or other flat surface to put the finished seed balls on to dry
- Large mixing spoon (optional: can be mixed with hands)
What You Do
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl or container, mix together the clay, compost, or soil, and seeds. You can use a mixing spoon or just mix the ingredients with your hands
- Add Water
Add one part water to the dry ingredients. Mix until evenly moistened. The mixture should be soft and moist enough to form balls, but not crumbly or runny. If the mixture seems too dry and is crumbling, add more water, about a tablespoon at a time. If it is too wet and sticky, add a little more clay, a tablespoon or so at a time.
- Make the Seed Balls
Take a small piece of the mixture, and form into a ball, about the size of a large marble, approximately one inch in diameter. Place finished seed balls on a tray or plate to dry. Repeat until the entire mixture is made into seed balls. Allow the seed balls to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
- Toss Your Seed Balls
There is no need to plant these balls. Simply toss them in an area in your lawn where you’d like native wildflowers to grow! Don’t throw the seed balls in anyone else’s yard without permission. Get permission before you toss your seed balls in any public areas.