FEATURESTORY
by Caron Wenzel
Seed Bombs Add Biodiversity
A
s a permaculture instructor and eco-restora-
tion practitioner, one of the most entertain-
ing things I participate in is making seed
bombs or seed balls. After years of helping
scout troops and science classes it is still fun to make
and distribute them.
Making seed balls is actually an ancient farming
practice that helped prevent seed from being con-
sumed by rodents and birds after it was broadcasted.
It was brought to modern awareness by a Japanese
agronomist and organic farmer Masanobu Fukuoka.
He authored a book One Straw Revolution that in the
1970’s and described the theory and practice of using
seed bombs among other organic farming:
“A difficulty with Fukuoka’s non-plowing, direct-
seeding method planting is that exposed seeds be-
come prey to birds and animals. By casting the seeds
amidst a standing crop and covering them with straw,
the birds can be kept at bay, but moles, crickets,
slugs, and mice present another problem. For many
years Fukuoka thwarted foraging insects and rodents
by pelletizing his seeds, that is, by encasing them in
clay. Pelletizing seeds also keeps them from rotting if
the season is unusually wet. However, by keeping a
natural balance in the animal kingdom Fukuoka now
seldom needs to coat his seeds, thus eliminating an-
other task.”
good mycorrhizal inoculant to the mix. This can
be done pelletized dry clay method or wet clay in
“brownie batter” batches.
◆ ◆ Clays are variable. A good, inexpensive red or
white craft clay without weed seeds will work.
Dirty clay with possible chemical contamination
needs to be avoided.
◆ ◆ Mix all ingredients, Make the balls, and set them
out to dry in a cool dry place. They will be ready
in 3 days to a week.
◆ ◆ Sow seed balls when they are dry in an approxi-
mate time for the seeds in the ball. Perennials in
the Fall, Annual flowers in Spring, as an example.
GG
Larry Korn
Source: The Ramon Magsaysay Award Founda-
tion.
As permaculture is all about creative innovation
in sustainable gardening and restoration methods,
seed balls/bombs have become a popular technique
in natural gardening and farming circles and permac-
ulture.
Work experience and research has shown me the
many ways and situations to use seed balls.
◆ ◆ The Fukuoka method is to roll seed and pow-
dered clay with seed, clay and water in a box or
cement type mixer for large amounts needed for
fields.
◆ ◆ For vegetable and flower seed in limited quanti-
ties batch mix 1/3 clay, 1/3 compost, 1/3 seed
and water. Hand roll or use a small ice cream
scoop.
◆ ◆ My recipe for wildflower seed balls is designed to
add biodiversity to pollinator strips and restora-
tions. Mix 1/3 clay, 1/3 compost, 1/3 seed and a
April 2018
Caron Wenzel is an Environmental Educator, writer, and
owner of Blazing Star Inc., a 27-year-old native plant seed
nursery, soil amendment and environmental consulting
business. Visit her website at Blazing-Star.com.
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