What Are Seed Balls And How Can These Be Used

Not only are we in the age of digitization, but we are also striving to keep our environment safe. While our previous generations have not been so concerned about the environment, we have taken up the challenge of fixing the wrongs done by our ancestors. However, the entire process of afforestation is time-consuming; it does not happen in a day. 

But given the condition of the environment currently, some fast-paced action is required. To that end, more and more people are coming up with environment-friendly options to restore the balance of the ecosystem. One such name out of all is seed balls. 

What are seed balls? 

In simple terms, a seed ball is a seed that has been wrapped in some sort of soil material. This material is usually a mixture of clay and compost, which is dried. Often seed balls are “pre-planted” and can be sown in places that are suitable to the needs of that species.  However, for best results, the seed ball needs to be stored until the proper germination window arises. 

The popularity of seed balls is due to the fact that they offer a larger germination window for the sowing period. Additionally, seed balls offer a flexible dispersal mechanism ideal for the guerrilla gardeners. As mentioned earlier, the green minds are chasing many ideas to create something unique, and this creative way of germination is just about perfect. 

Historical development

However, creative minds cannot take credit for the development of the seed balls. This useful germination technique was developed long back by ancient Egyptians to germinate the banks of the Nile river after every annual flood. Additionally, these seeds have been used in Asia, especially in the various dry regions. 

The best part about these seed bombs was that they could keep the plant seed safe until the conditions were favorable for germination. Rice is a dominant crop that has been cultivated using seed balls. In the 1700s, African women slaves were given seed balls to cultivate rice. These rice seeds were coated in clay and turned into flat discs by pressing the heel of the foot on them. More recently, Japan has been using seed balls for cultivation. 

Uses of seed balls

• Ease of making

Making seed bombs is quite easy. All one needs are the clay, compost, seeds, and a brief idea about the region they would want to plant the seeds in. However, consideration must be given to the amount of clay and compost to be used with the different seeds. As a rule of thumb, combining five parts of soil with three parts of clay is a good ratio and applies to most species. 

The balls created from these elements should be the size of a quarter so that it can facilitate the throwing. Though different plants have different times of germination, spring and summer are the ideal seasons for “blasting these bombs.” 

• Ease of travel

The small size of seed bombs makes them significantly versatile. You can just toss them over fences, throw them on abandoned fields, or put them in your backyard. Be it alongside walking areas or bike parking; you can throw seed bombs and forget all about it. 

Nature always finds a way, and seed bombs are nature’s way of getting the right thing done. To make it short, seed bombs can grow anywhere on the land, provided it has soil, the climatic conditions are not severe, and the area is not densely vegetated. 

• Ideal gift items

Currently, the population of the Earth has reached 7.7 billion. People are using up natural resources, especially trees, to support their aspirations and daily requirements. The ecosystem is not sustainable anymore. As more and more industries are coming up, more people are using forest resources. Under such conditions, the onus falls on us to give back something to nature. 

In that light, a  small token of a natural miracle in the form of seed balls is a lovely gift. Seed bombs are the ideal way to tackle the situation in hand. Instead of leading a mindless, selfish lifestyle, this gift can remind someone of their foremost duty and a chance to be closer to Earth. 

So get your hands dirty this season and grow some greens!

FAQs

Can I plant seed bombs in earthen pots?

Yes. It can be plated in any soil. 

Yes. It can be plated in any soil.

You simply need to bury the bomb in the soil and water it daily.

Can I make seed bombs at home?

Yes. They are quite easy to make.

Can seed bombs be stored?

Yes. The compost and clay protect the seeds from any harm until they are ready to be replanted. 

What is the ideal size of a seed bomb?

Seed bombs should ideally be the size of a quarter so that sowing them becomes easy.