Seed bombs (also known as flower bombs) are not necessarily the domain of Guerrilla Gardening, but they are a great way to propagate seeds, especially on a large scale or in abandoned land. Using rich, well-fertilized soil gives the seeds a huge advantage and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Here are some simple tips on how to make them!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Earth Bombs
Step 1. Buy or collect seeds
Buy or harvest quality seeds that you know and grow well over a large area or in nutrient-poor soils, without needing too much attention. Do not choose plants that cause damage to the environment or otherwise, such as weeds or weeds. If you are unsure, check which plants are native and which ones could cause problems for native plants.
Consider the entire habitat when choosing seeds. Do you want seeds that will create a new habitat or do you just want seeds that will provide some variety of crops or plants?
Step 2. Soak them for an hour or overnight in a compost and water solution
Eliminate any seeds that float - those that float are usually broken or damaged and will not germinate.
Step 3. Prepare the seed bombs
There are four main ways to make them:
- Method 1. Purchase or reclaim clay-rich soil or other clay-type loam types with which to form a ball. The soil should be suitable for plant growth; make sure it's not too acidic. Give the soil, with the help of a little water, the shape of a golf ball and insert the seeds inside as you mold it. You can also sprinkle the potting soil with seeds before shaping the balls if that's easier for you.
-
Method 2. Use semi-dry (unsterilized) compost and red clay powder. Mix the seeds, three parts of compost, and five parts of clay together. Form a round ball with your hands, using water to make it malleable. It should have the consistency of cookie dough.
Make a Seed Bomb Step 3Bullet2 -
Method 3. Recover biodegradable cardboard boxes such as those of eggs or old cotton socks. Fill the egg cartons with the soil and seed mixture mixed together as indicated above. Squeeze the top so that the contents don't fall out. With the socks, you can fill them with the mixture of seeds and soil and then twist, tie and cut as if you were making sausages.
Make a Seed Bomb Step 3Bullet3 -
Method 4. Mix sawdust and seed in a ratio of 5 parts sawdust to 1 part of seed and a non-toxic, preferably food grade and biodegradable glue that dries quickly, and a small amount of seaweed extract. The mixture should not be wet, but moist enough to be worked into a ball. With this method it is advisable to make small batches or groups.
Make a Seed Bomb Step 3Bullet4
Step 4. Let the seed bombs dry for 24 hours
Arrange the balls on a waterproof tarpaulin or on newspaper sheets in a sheltered and airy place.
Your seed bombs are ready to use
Step 5. Plant them
If you already have planting soil ready with rows already dug for planting, place a ball every few meters or as recommended by the seed manufacturer, then cover them with potting soil.
If you are looking to re-vegetate an area with grass or tree seeds, just throw the seed balls, it will create a more random and realistic effect. However, remember that the balls will then have to be buried sufficiently to retain moisture (for the seed)
Step 6. If you prefer to keep the seed bombs aside for a while, you can store them in a cool, dark and dry place for no more than a few weeks
However, it is advisable to use them when they are still fresh, as the seeds may begin to germinate!
Step 7. Watch its growth
If everything has been done correctly, the seedling will be visible within 2 to 3 weeks, or earlier if the climatic conditions are favorable (warmer). The advantage of the ball is that, even if it does not accelerate the germination times, when the seedling starts to grow it has the nutrients available directly to the roots, so it can grow faster and healthier.
Method 2 of 2: Ice Bombs
Step 1. Find good soil and wet it well
Step 2. Fill the various segments of an ice tray halfway with wet soil
Insert 1-2-3 seeds in the center and cover with well-moistened earth.
Step 3. Place in the freezer on the lowest possible temperature
Step 4. When they are well frozen, remove the soil cubes from the freezer
Dip them in organic fertilizer to lightly coat the cubes and refreeze them at the lowest possible temperature.
Step 5. Take them out of the freezer
Put them in a cooler with synthetic ice briquettes.
Step 6. Get out of the house and throw ice cubes wherever you want new seedlings to grow
Advice
- It is best to bury the seed balls as they may crack and be eaten by wild animals.
- For very small areas it is not worth making seed balls. It is best to plant the seeds in the usual way. Seed bombs are only suitable for large areas that cannot be re-vegetated otherwise or if there are many helpers available to distribute the seeds.
- Make seed balls with a group of volunteers who have permission to re-vegetate an uncultivated area, legitimately. This is a great way to meet new friends.
Warnings
- If you use sawdust, check that it does not come from exotic woods, from woods with high levels of radioactivity or from wood treated in an autoclave.
- Don't do anything illegal or unethical. Many weeds have ravaged the parks and green areas that were originally tended and planted by passionate gardeners.
- Do not use pure compost as the sole component of a seed bomb; alone is too strong.
- Seed balls aren't always ideal; in areas with a hot and dry climate, it is easy for them not to find the right humidity to be able to develop the seeds contained within. On the contrary, they risk drying up to the point of splitting and scattering the seeds, which in turn will dry out in the sun.
- Remember not to plant or throw seed balls in areas not owned by you, unless you have permission from the owners.
