Heavy Petal » How to make seedballs

March 13th, 2007

How to make seedballs

Seedballs: microcosms of the living world.

This past weekend, Al from my guerilla gardening group led a seedball-making workshop. I loved it; it was so satisfying just to get my hands muddy and spend a couple hours in a zen-like trance rolling seedballs… I highly recommend the process!

Here’s the recipe:

5 parts dry red clay*
3 parts dry organic compost
1 part seed**
1 – 2 parts water

We used a 16oz. plastic cup as a measure, which made enough for approximately 300 seedballs. After mixing together all the dry ingredients, we added enough water to form a mix that held together without crumbling but wasn’t so wet that it wouldn’t roll into balls. Pinching off small bits of the lovely mud, we rolled penny-sized balls and set them in trays. They will sit on my windowsill for three or four days until completely dry.

Ingredient notes:
*Dry red clay: Yes, this is the stuff that potters use. Commonly it comes pre-mixed, which you don’t want. You want the dry powder so it can be easily mixed. I’ve tried using grey clay from a riverbank – it doesn’t work so well. In Greater Vancouver there is something called Red Art Clay which is available at Greenbarn Potters Supply Ltd., 9548 – 192nd Street in Surrey (604-888-3411). Try asking at your local art supply store.

**Seeds: Workshop organizer Al provided crimson clover, white dutch clover and wild flower seeds, while the rest of the participants donated appropriate seeds – I put in California poppy, nasturtium and cilantro. Al also suggested using the edible, perennial and drought-tolerant plants listed at Plants for a Future.

seedball%20making.jpg
Here we are, rolling away.

One of these kids is doing their own thing.

More on seedballs:

Path to Freedom
Masanobu Fukuoka

Posted by Andrea Bellamy at 8:26 am | Permalink | Comments (40) | Filed under: Green Gardening & Living, How To, Resistance is fertile Tags: guerilla gardening, masanobu fukuoka, seed ball, seed balls, seed bomb, seed bombs, seedball, seedballs, seedbomb

40 Comments »

i want to do this with you. it sounds great!!!!!

Comment by robin — March 14, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
I am embarassed to ask, but what does one do with these? Do you plant them like this?

Comment by Maryam in Marrakech — March 15, 2007 @ 4:49 am
This is great- thanks for the recipe. I live in LA, and this is great for all the vacant lots-and-people’s front yards- or is that rude? Oh, well..but it’s too late for this season, we’d have to do it in the winter.

Thanks!

Loretta

Comment by Loretta Allison — March 19, 2007 @ 4:23 pm
Hello,

Would you be able to eat what grew out of the ball?

How clean is the red clay. Would the plant absorb any toxins from the clay?

We have chia seeds I would like to try this with.

Cheers,

James

Comment by James — May 3, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
Any ideas for good seeds to use in the pac.NW? Something that kids would enjoy?

Comment by Amy — May 25, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
In response to robin: You find some area where there are no plants, but ought to be some, and scatter a few of these around.

The unobtrusiveness and easy deployment makes them ideal for putting wildflowers someplace where someone would object if they saw you doing it (e.g. public planters in urban areas that have been neglected, bald spots in parks, median strips).

Comment by bendotron — October 30, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
From what I understand, seedballs are things you throw into hedges, fields, wild spaces and they grow flowers.
I read (and I can’t remember what book it was in) that a bloke drove round the countryside throwing the seedballs ever since his wife died.

Comment by Diane at Carbon Tiptoes — November 19, 2007 @ 7:14 am
Thank you, this was fun and I finally found out how to make them !

Comment by Patty Meseroll — March 2, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Thanks for this great, simple, but yet effective way for me to fill my neighborhood with random little sprigs of beauty this spring. I bought some wildflower seeds, much more than I need, and this is where they are needed!
Snuffy

Comment by Snuffy Snodgrass — April 11, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Thanks a million for your wonderful blog which I happened upon today. I want you to bring all these fabulous ideas and images via a feed to the Art of Engagement online network where a number of ecological artists would be so interested. If you have time, do join us. Meanwhile I will enjoy visiting and reading more here.

Comment by Caffyn Kelley — May 1, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
What a great idea! I’m definitely going to try this.

In addition to buying clay, if you have a potter nearby, you might be able to get them to save you some leftovers from throwing or trimming. It dries out pretty quicky, and can be re-powdered easily, if you don’t mind putting in a little more work.

Comment by Joel Smith — July 3, 2008 @ 8:17 am
how do you use them?
do they work?
what is the success to dud rate?
should you do this just before it rains?

MORE INFO!

Comment by J-chot — July 3, 2008 @ 11:12 am
Oh, I can think of at least one seed in particular I’d like to try. Turn this into a whole social movement and the DEA will have their work cut out for them.

Comment by Bob — July 3, 2008 @ 9:34 pm
Wow – I’m so behind on replying to comments here, so instead of responding individually, I’ll just say thanks to all for your comments and then answer questions below.

James – I think you should be able to eat whatever grew out of the seedball; I’ve definitely seen edibles done this way. Though I’m not sure about the red clay and how clean it is – perhaps a potter out there could help answer this?

Amy – Choosing the seeds for your seed balls is a matter of using common sense. Obviously, you want to avoid using plants that are invasive in your area, and I’d add non-native prolific self-seeders to that list. Also, avoid seeding areas that are near natural areas (so plants don’t end up encroaching on those native species). Some people would say to use only native species in your seed mix, but personally, I don’t see anything wrong with using carefully-chosen non-native annuals. I like using plants that attract butterflies and other beneficials, for example. Recent mixes included Columbine (aquilegia), campanula, lupine and poppy, with a base mix of red clover (an excellent green manure!). As for annuals that kids enjoy, you can’t beat sunflowers!

JChot – How do you use them? Like this. Yes, they work. Your success rate will depend on a number of variables, but in my experience, the seeds readily germinate following the first rain. At least some of the seeds in each ball will germinate. The more decisive factor is what happens next. Is there consistent rain, so that the seedlings don’t wilt and die? Does the City come and weed wack your work? Seed balls are just a delivery method for seeds that help them survive to germination (less chance of being eaten by birds, scattered by wind, etc). After that, they’re on their own. As for when you should do it, just before a rainy period is good, but not necessary, as the seed balls will stay dry and ungerminated until it rains.

Bob – I love it! Too funny. If you had to buy the seeds, though, it’d be an expensive laugh.

Comment by Andrea Bellamy — July 6, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Please don’t include invasive species like nasturtium…

http://www.cal-ipc.org/landscaping/dpp/planttypes.php?region=socal

Comment by Dubby — September 24, 2008 @ 10:31 am
Dubby – I’d never heard of nasturtium being invasive before. It certainly isn’t where I live – it’s not even winter-hardy. That’s why I suggest that you use plants appropriate to your area. “Invasive” to some areas is just fine elsewhere!

Comment by Andrea Bellamy — September 24, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
This is a great recipe. We used something really similar to this to beautify run down parts of the city.

Comment by Red Icculus — November 18, 2008 @ 10:08 am
[...] Heavy Petal has a great guide on making them. [...]

Pingback by Red-Icculus.com › Seedballs for Guerilla Gardening — November 18, 2008 @ 11:00 am
thank you for the tutorial.
This is actually going to be a christmas present :D

Comment by alice — December 12, 2008 @ 3:11 am
The red clay is not toxic. On the contrary, it has been used to bind arsenic in contaminated soil. It’s composition is 65% silica, 16% alumina, 7% red iron oxide and 4% Potassium. Calcium, magnesium, sodium and titanium are also present in amounts of less than 2%. You might not want to ingest these balls but you can certainly eat what grows out of them! Red clay is a naturally occurring ingredient in many arable soils.

Comment by sophie — February 11, 2009 @ 4:58 am
Seeds I have…just bought the powdered red art clay today. Yesss! I so want to see my majestic 10′ sunflowers blooming along the road amongst the teasels and reeds! I’m throwing in some flax, and cosmos. Who knows whether it will work..will keep you posted!
(I normally hang out at gardenweb..check out wintersowing for a great way to start seeds)

Comment by wendy2shoes — February 25, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
this sounds like a revolution to save the planet earth. So,bob your not the only one with seed ball dreams. great balls of flowers from outer space.

Comment by greensun — March 3, 2009 @ 10:57 pm
Thank you for great idea! We

Comment by Ligita — March 30, 2009 @ 2:52 am
[...] Tuesday Project Day- 1, 6,7 – Chemical Seed Bombs- Students will research the chemistry and elemental ingredients of a plant or plants of their choice and begin to make “seed bombs” http://heavypetal.ca/archives/2007/03/how-to-make-seedballs/ [...]

Pingback by Properties of Bling Bling (Metals) | Tiger Physics and Chemistry — April 13, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
[...] locally appropriate. It’s also important to use the right clay. This website suggests using red potter’s clay — terracotta clay — and not pre-mixed, either. (That link — as well as this one [...]

Pingback by ‘Tis the season for flower-bombing - Absurd Intellectual — May 8, 2009 @ 6:41 am
[...] I should’ve paid closer attention to the Heavy Petal seedball page. ” *Dry red clay: Yes, this is the stuff that potters use. Commonly it comes pre-mixed, which [...]

Pingback by PermaKent Permaculture Ideas of J. Kent Hastings » Blog Archive » Red Terra Cotta Powder v. Wet Modeling Clay — June 5, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
[...] From Heavy Petal, check out How to make seedballs. [...]

Pingback by Making Seed Balls — July 18, 2009 @ 9:41 am
[...] balls if your peacenik side recoils at “-bomb” anything) from a number of websites – this is one from a West Coast [...]

Pingback by Hyack the Holidays: Green Gifts | Tenth To The Fraser — December 18, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
This is a great idea. I wouldn’t have thought to use the clay in dirt form, I would have gotten the already hardened kind and tried to stuff the seeds in to it. Thanks for the heads up that it doesn’t work as well. Kudos.
-Sylvia

Comment by Union Glashutte — January 31, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
[...] http://www.guerrillagardening.org http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2008/s2354714.htm http://www.laguerrillagardening.org guerrillagardening.org/community/index.php heavypetal.ca/archives/2007/03/how-to-make-seedballs [...]

Pingback by Guerrillas in the Midst « Sustainable Gardening Australia — February 2, 2010 @ 8:00 pm
[...] awareness with social and economic responsibility on an individual level. Learn more about seed balls at Heavy Petal. We make the road by [...]

Pingback by luvmud » “Tsuchi Dango” or Earth Dumpling — February 3, 2010 @ 2:07 pm
[...] bombs adapted to compliment your neighborhood’s ecology. Although it’s easy enough to make your own seed bombs, I think Greenaid is great because the machines make seed bombing convenient and force [...]

Pingback by Guerrilla Gardeners: Beautifying Neighborhoods One Seed Bomb at a Time - Three Ninety Eight — April 26, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
Would it be wrong to plant mint in a hedgerow? I’ve just seen how mad a plant is growing on my windowsill and imagine in a year it’d fill all the space you gave it.

Comment by Edina — June 10, 2010 @ 11:07 am
[...] Here’s a seedball tutorial. I couldn’t find powdered red clay, so used compost-only. This means the balls won’t hold together as well, but I tested some out and they seem to hold together well enough that the seed will get a start in the compost, where ever it lands. [...]

Pingback by Seedballs and a Container of Seeds | Super Gardening Tips — June 18, 2010 @ 1:01 am
[...] Here’s a seedball tutorial. I couldn’t find powdered red clay, so used compost-only. This means the balls won’t hold together as well, but I tested some out and they seem to hold together well enough that the seed will get a start in the compost, where ever it lands. [...]

Pingback by onion flowers seed balls | Super Gardening Tips — June 18, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
[...] Here’s a seedball tutorial. I couldn’t find powdered red clay, so used compost-only. This means the balls won’t hold together as well, but I tested some out and they seem to hold together well enough that the seed will get a start in the compost, where ever it lands. [...]

Pingback by Starting seeds for our school garden | Super Gardening Tips — June 22, 2010 @ 7:37 am
[...] Here’s a seedball tutorial. I couldn’t find powdered red clay, so used compost-only. This means the balls won’t hold together as well, but I tested some out and they seem to hold together well enough that the seed will get a start in the compost, where ever it lands. [...]

Pingback by Cool Garden Seed images | Super Gardening Tips — June 24, 2010 @ 9:27 am
Nature’s very own, ever-lovin’ Green Corps.

I imagine the seed-ball capsule would work as well for tree seeds? Acorns, maples seeds and so forth. Not to mention, what a great way to re-establish heirloom plants and threatened species once abundant in a given environment. Wow, wonder what Johnny Appleseed would have thought of this.

Comment by Natureheart — June 30, 2010 @ 9:32 am
What a way to change the world–one seedball at a time!

Comment by StefanieG — July 2, 2010 @ 7:54 am
[...] Here’s a seedball tutorial. I couldn’t find powdered red clay, so used compost-only. This means the balls won’t hold together as well, but I tested some out and they seem to hold together well enough that the seed will get a start in the compost, where ever it lands. [...]

Pingback by Cool Gardening Seed images | Super Gardening Tips — July 6, 2010 @ 5:30 am

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i want to do this with you. it sounds great!!!!!

Comment by robin — March 14, 2007 @ 11:14 pm

I am embarassed to ask, but what does one do with these? Do you plant them like this?

Comment by Maryam in Marrakech — March 15, 2007 @ 4:49 am

This is great- thanks for the recipe. I live in LA, and this is great for all the vacant lots-and-people’s front yards- or is that rude? Oh, well..but it’s too late for this season, we’d have to do it in the winter.

Thanks!

Loretta

Comment by Loretta Allison — March 19, 2007 @ 4:23 pm

Hello,

Would you be able to eat what grew out of the ball?

How clean is the red clay. Would the plant absorb any toxins from the clay?

We have chia seeds I would like to try this with.

Cheers,

James

Comment by James — May 3, 2007 @ 2:29 pm

Any ideas for good seeds to use in the pac.NW? Something that kids would enjoy?

Comment by Amy — May 25, 2007 @ 12:02 pm

In response to robin: You find some area where there are no plants, but ought to be some, and scatter a few of these around.

The unobtrusiveness and easy deployment makes them ideal for putting wildflowers someplace where someone would object if they saw you doing it (e.g. public planters in urban areas that have been neglected, bald spots in parks, median strips).

Comment by bendotron — October 30, 2007 @ 1:04 pm

From what I understand, seedballs are things you throw into hedges, fields, wild spaces and they grow flowers.
I read (and I can’t remember what book it was in) that a bloke drove round the countryside throwing the seedballs ever since his wife died.

Comment by Diane at Carbon Tiptoes — November 19, 2007 @ 7:14 am

Thank you, this was fun and I finally found out how to make them !

Comment by Patty Meseroll — March 2, 2008 @ 5:07 pm

Thanks for this great, simple, but yet effective way for me to fill my neighborhood with random little sprigs of beauty this spring. I bought some wildflower seeds, much more than I need, and this is where they are needed!
Snuffy

Comment by Snuffy Snodgrass — April 11, 2008 @ 10:12 am

Thanks a million for your wonderful blog which I happened upon today. I want you to bring all these fabulous ideas and images via a feed to the Art of Engagement online network where a number of ecological artists would be so interested. If you have time, do join us. Meanwhile I will enjoy visiting and reading more here.

Comment by Caffyn Kelley — May 1, 2008 @ 3:11 pm

What a great idea! I’m definitely going to try this.

In addition to buying clay, if you have a potter nearby, you might be able to get them to save you some leftovers from throwing or trimming. It dries out pretty quicky, and can be re-powdered easily, if you don’t mind putting in a little more work.

Comment by Joel Smith — July 3, 2008 @ 8:17 am

how do you use them?
do they work?
what is the success to dud rate?
should you do this just before it rains?

MORE INFO!

Comment by J-chot — July 3, 2008 @ 11:12 am

Oh, I can think of at least one seed in particular I’d like to try. Turn this into a whole social movement and the DEA will have their work cut out for them.

Comment by Bob — July 3, 2008 @ 9:34 pm

Wow – I’m so behind on replying to comments here, so instead of responding individually, I’ll just say thanks to all for your comments and then answer questions below.

James – I think you should be able to eat whatever grew out of the seedball; I’ve definitely seen edibles done this way. Though I’m not sure about the red clay and how clean it is – perhaps a potter out there could help answer this?

Amy – Choosing the seeds for your seed balls is a matter of using common sense. Obviously, you want to avoid using plants that are invasive in your area, and I’d add non-native prolific self-seeders to that list. Also, avoid seeding areas that are near natural areas (so plants don’t end up encroaching on those native species). Some people would say to use only native species in your seed mix, but personally, I don’t see anything wrong with using carefully-chosen non-native annuals. I like using plants that attract butterflies and other beneficials, for example. Recent mixes included Columbine (aquilegia), campanula, lupine and poppy, with a base mix of red clover (an excellent green manure!). As for annuals that kids enjoy, you can’t beat sunflowers!

JChot – How do you use them? Like this. Yes, they work. Your success rate will depend on a number of variables, but in my experience, the seeds readily germinate following the first rain. At least some of the seeds in each ball will germinate. The more decisive factor is what happens next. Is there consistent rain, so that the seedlings don’t wilt and die? Does the City come and weed wack your work? Seed balls are just a delivery method for seeds that help them survive to germination (less chance of being eaten by birds, scattered by wind, etc). After that, they’re on their own. As for when you should do it, just before a rainy period is good, but not necessary, as the seed balls will stay dry and ungerminated until it rains.

Bob – I love it! Too funny. If you had to buy the seeds, though, it’d be an expensive laugh.

Comment by Andrea Bellamy — July 6, 2008 @ 10:13 am

Please don’t include invasive species like nasturtium…

http://www.cal-ipc.org/landscaping/dpp/planttypes.php?region=socal

Comment by Dubby — September 24, 2008 @ 10:31 am

Dubby – I’d never heard of nasturtium being invasive before. It certainly isn’t where I live – it’s not even winter-hardy. That’s why I suggest that you use plants appropriate to your area. “Invasive” to some areas is just fine elsewhere!

Comment by Andrea Bellamy — September 24, 2008 @ 1:32 pm

This is a great recipe. We used something really similar to this to beautify run down parts of the city.

Comment by Red Icculus — November 18, 2008 @ 10:08 am

[...] Heavy Petal has a great guide on making them. [...]

Pingback by Red-Icculus.com › Seedballs for Guerilla Gardening — November 18, 2008 @ 11:00 am

thank you for the tutorial.
This is actually going to be a christmas present :D

Comment by alice — December 12, 2008 @ 3:11 am

The red clay is not toxic. On the contrary, it has been used to bind arsenic in contaminated soil. It’s composition is 65% silica, 16% alumina, 7% red iron oxide and 4% Potassium. Calcium, magnesium, sodium and titanium are also present in amounts of less than 2%. You might not want to ingest these balls but you can certainly eat what grows out of them! Red clay is a naturally occurring ingredient in many arable soils.

Comment by sophie — February 11, 2009 @ 4:58 am

Seeds I have…just bought the powdered red art clay today. Yesss! I so want to see my majestic 10′ sunflowers blooming along the road amongst the teasels and reeds! I’m throwing in some flax, and cosmos. Who knows whether it will work..will keep you posted!
(I normally hang out at gardenweb..check out wintersowing for a great way to start seeds)

Comment by wendy2shoes — February 25, 2009 @ 9:25 pm

this sounds like a revolution to save the planet earth. So,bob your not the only one with seed ball dreams. great balls of flowers from outer space.

Comment by greensun — March 3, 2009 @ 10:57 pm

Thank you for great idea! We

Comment by Ligita — March 30, 2009 @ 2:52 am

[...] Tuesday Project Day- 1, 6,7 – Chemical Seed Bombs- Students will research the chemistry and elemental ingredients of a plant or plants of their choice and begin to make “seed bombs” http://heavypetal.ca/archives/2007/03/how-to-make-seedballs/ [...]

Pingback by Properties of Bling Bling (Metals) | Tiger Physics and Chemistry — April 13, 2009 @ 6:26 pm

[...] locally appropriate. It’s also important to use the right clay. This website suggests using red potter’s clay — terracotta clay — and not pre-mixed, either. (That link — as well as this one [...]

Pingback by ‘Tis the season for flower-bombing - Absurd Intellectual — May 8, 2009 @ 6:41 am

[...] I should’ve paid closer attention to the Heavy Petal seedball page. ” *Dry red clay: Yes, this is the stuff that potters use. Commonly it comes pre-mixed, which [...]

Pingback by PermaKent Permaculture Ideas of J. Kent Hastings » Blog Archive » Red Terra Cotta Powder v. Wet Modeling Clay — June 5, 2009 @ 7:07 pm

[...] From Heavy Petal, check out How to make seedballs. [...]

Pingback by Making Seed Balls — July 18, 2009 @ 9:41 am

[...] balls if your peacenik side recoils at “-bomb” anything) from a number of websites – this is one from a West Coast [...]

Pingback by Hyack the Holidays: Green Gifts | Tenth To The Fraser — December 18, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

This is a great idea. I wouldn’t have thought to use the clay in dirt form, I would have gotten the already hardened kind and tried to stuff the seeds in to it. Thanks for the heads up that it doesn’t work as well. Kudos.
-Sylvia

Comment by Union Glashutte — January 31, 2010 @ 3:00 pm

[...] http://www.guerrillagardening.org http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2008/s2354714.htm http://www.laguerrillagardening.org guerrillagardening.org/community/index.php heavypetal.ca/archives/2007/03/how-to-make-seedballs [...]

Pingback by Guerrillas in the Midst « Sustainable Gardening Australia — February 2, 2010 @ 8:00 pm

[...] awareness with social and economic responsibility on an individual level. Learn more about seed balls at Heavy Petal. We make the road by [...]

Pingback by luvmud » “Tsuchi Dango” or Earth Dumpling — February 3, 2010 @ 2:07 pm

[...] bombs adapted to compliment your neighborhood’s ecology. Although it’s easy enough to make your own seed bombs, I think Greenaid is great because the machines make seed bombing convenient and force [...]

Pingback by Guerrilla Gardeners: Beautifying Neighborhoods One Seed Bomb at a Time - Three Ninety Eight — April 26, 2010 @ 2:33 pm

Would it be wrong to plant mint in a hedgerow? I’ve just seen how mad a plant is growing on my windowsill and imagine in a year it’d fill all the space you gave it.

Comment by Edina — June 10, 2010 @ 11:07 am

[...] Here’s a seedball tutorial. I couldn’t find powdered red clay, so used compost-only. This means the balls won’t hold together as well, but I tested some out and they seem to hold together well enough that the seed will get a start in the compost, where ever it lands. [...]

Pingback by Seedballs and a Container of Seeds | Super Gardening Tips — June 18, 2010 @ 1:01 am

Pingback by onion flowers seed balls | Super Gardening Tips — June 18, 2010 @ 2:12 pm

Pingback by Starting seeds for our school garden | Super Gardening Tips — June 22, 2010 @ 7:37 am

Pingback by Cool Garden Seed images | Super Gardening Tips — June 24, 2010 @ 9:27 am

Nature’s very own, ever-lovin’ Green Corps.

I imagine the seed-ball capsule would work as well for tree seeds? Acorns, maples seeds and so forth. Not to mention, what a great way to re-establish heirloom plants and threatened species once abundant in a given environment. Wow, wonder what Johnny Appleseed would have thought of this.

Comment by Natureheart — June 30, 2010 @ 9:32 am

What a way to change the world–one seedball at a time!

Comment by StefanieG — July 2, 2010 @ 7:54 am

Pingback by Cool Gardening Seed images | Super Gardening Tips — July 6, 2010 @ 5:30 am

March 13th, 2007

How to make seedballs

40 Comments »

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