Hey there!
COVID-19 has changed how we do things, and your safety is our priority. Please keep social distancing best practices in mind if you choose to visit parks, trails and green spaces. Thanks, y'all!
Seed balls, also known as seed bombs, are one of our favorite ways to bring some color to our volunteer projects. They are an easy way to plant native flowers because the seeds are "pre-planted" since they are covered in soil and compost.
The seeds are kept safe until they’re ready to germinate on their own, making it easier for us to “plant” them without worry. They’re also a convenient way for kids, guerrilla gardeners and people with achy backs to bring life to open green spaces like your backyard!
Please be aware that planting seeds in public spaces such as parks requires coordination with Austin Parks Foundation and/or Austin Parks and Recreation Department.
Below is a video so you can see how it’s done, but we’ve also included advice from our Volunteer Manager, Barry Rivera, and his favorite recipe. Happy planting!
How to Make Your Own Seed Balls
We got a seed ball recipe for you! Here's what supplies you’ll need:
- 2 parts potting soil (we like Dillo Dirt)
- 5 parts pottery clay mix (You can get this from an art store online, but Armadillo Clay has clay specifically for seed balls, if you prefer)
- 1-2 parts water (added a little at a time)
- 1-2 parts native Texas seeds of your choice (Check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s supplier database, or Native American Seed).
- Large tub or bucket to mix ingredients
- Large box to dry and store seed balls
Directions:
- Mix the soil, clay and 1 part water thoroughly in your bucket or tub. There shouldn’t be any lumps.
- Slowly add more water until the mixture is the consistency of toy store molding clay or a little stiffer than playdough
- Add seeds
- Knead the mixture until the seeds are well incorporated and covered in clay
- Add more water if necessary
- Take small bits of the clay mixture and roll into a ball about one inch in diameter. The balls should hold together easily, but if they’re crumbly, add more water.
- Dry seed balls for 24-48 hours in a shady place before sowing or storing. You can throw some immediately, but they have the best chance of germinating if they’re allowed to dry.
- Once dry, store in a cardboard box, not plastic bags, as the plastic will trap too much moisture.
Sowing or Throwing Seed Balls
While you can carefully place the seed balls over the area, we find it’s more fun to gently toss them one at a time. This gives you a much more natural dispersal too! Remember - don’t bury them, and don’t water them. You’ve done your job, just sit back and leave the rest to Mother Nature!
Love Nature? We Could Use Your Help!
If you like eco-crafts like making seed balls, we could use your help in the parks! Join us during our First Saturday volunteer opportunities, many of which include essential care for trees in public spaces across Austin.
We hope you have a ton of fun making and sowing your seed balls. If you end up using these tips, share your family's seed ball activity with us on social media! Give us a follow and tag us in your photos:
