What is a seed ball?
Seed balls are seeds wrapped in a ball of clay and a nutrient source such as compost, manure or potting soil. They are designed to be complete little planting packages. The seeds are protected in this package for delayed sowing or once planted from adverse environments. Seed balls are great for planting in neglected, damaged or remote areas or locations with low, inconsistent rainfall and harsh environments.
History
Used in ancient times to preserve seeds for future cultivation or planting in semi-arid or flood damaged lands, seed balls were re-discovered in the early 20th century by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer, who called them earth dumplings. They have been recently popularized as seed bombs used in a guerilla gardening movement to rehabilitate neglected urban land. They are also used to restore fire damaged areas.
How it Works
The clay will absorb and retain moisture while the compost provides nutrients. The dry clay shell protects the seeds from sun, wind, birds, and insect predators. When conditions are favorable and the clay has absorbed enough water, the seeds will germinate in this protected environment. Eventually the shell will crack and dissolve depositing the germinated seeds onto the ground to take root. The process takes time and patience.
Cultivation of land is expensive, time consuming and harmful to soil structure. Seed balls do not require planting holes or soil cultivation. They can be deposited on the ground, thrown into fields, or dropped from a helicopter. Seed balls are an effective way to re-green large or difficult to access areas.
Advantages
- Seed balls can be stored for long periods. They do not need to be sown immediately after formation. Do not store in a plastic bag but in glass, paper bag or cardboard.
- Sowing is easy for energetic young to older gardeners with stiff backs. No need to dig or bury seed balls. Seed balls are tossed onto ground.
- Do not have to time sowing with rain, weather, or specific time of year.
- Good for urban, hostile, or remote areas where cultivation is difficult (steep slopes, forests, shallow or rocky soils).
- No cultivation needed so decreases cost, labor or soil disruption. No need for fertilizer.
- Easy to make and disperse- it is a fun project for children.
- Any seed can be used- wildflowers, edible crops, and trees suitable for the location. Can be a mix of different seeds or single seed type.