How to Make Seed Bombs (Seed Balls)

It's easy to make and use DIY seed balls. Whether planted as seed balls in a garden or tossed as seed bombs by guerilla gardeners, the combination of seeds and earth in self-contained planting packages can be a great way to start flowers in the garden. (Video #309)
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[@drawingmomentum]

Oh! I love this! I've saved thousands of seeds and still more coming... I'm going to make seed bombs for my next year's garden... and for the empty lots around town. 😉 I bet the birds and animals along the river here would love it! Gardener Scott, u have no idea how awesome and inspiring u r. My garden this summer probably saved my life, definitely saved my soul. ❤ 🌻

[@blueroses-dianef.8083]

Amen to that it saves my soul every year I just love gardening🙏♥️👍👋🍅🍓🌶️🥦🥬🥒🍆🐶🐾🐾

[@jab4634]

I'm just wondering if all cat litter has clay and are there any to avoid apart from the obvious 😂😂

[@jab4634]

Chilli powder should be in the mix to deter slugs

[@gioguarin]

This is the most punk rock thing you can do with nature, I love it

[@8cupsCoffee]

The Bob Ross of gardening. Thanks for your channel! Yes, I will put these in MY landscape :)

[@charlescarlson8283]

I do this with pumpkin, water melon, corn and sunflower for the wildlife area. It works great. I get a nice mix of food for the wildlife.

[@drawingmomentum]

I had random sunflowers 🌻😍💛 all thru my gardens ...the 🐦 birds were "planting" their birdseed! 😆 😊

[@pomodoro144]

@@drawingmomentum nice 👍 ❤

[@sarahthebox]

Just ordered a pack of native wildflowers for my area to spread along my dreary walk to the grocery store. There are a lot of desolate dirt patches in an unmaintained grass area. Thanks to your tips, I think I’ll spread a few now for fun, but wait to do the majority in the fall. Loved the video, your voice is so calming!

[@armandodesousa6375]

Hats up to the Green Guerillas- I was a member for years!

[@HonestlyAnnaFun]

Your video is very easy to understand, thank you.

[@Jeff-rd6hb]

I've never heard of this before. The kitty litter thing is a pretty cool hack too. Thanks for enlightening me, Scott. 👍

[@databang]

My cosmos flowers did great this season also, and i was going to harvest their seeds, so this video is very relevant to me, thanks for sharing this novel idea GS-you da bomb! 💣💥🌱

[@kpratt5960]

I had never heard of us this until an ad popped up today. I knew there had to be a more economical solution. Thank you SO much!!!

[@maryglidden2943]

how timely! I was setting aside some seeds as I wanted to make seed bombs and was waiting to do a little research on it! You gave me everything I need to do this! Thanks!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

I like your take on how to make these balls. It looks so much easier than the method I tried with my granddaughter. It will be nice when Spring comes to see how it turned out for you. Thanks for sharing! Take care!

[@harryosborne6103]

Just got “The one-straw revolution “ this week. Half way through it now. Nice read for natural gardening (permaculture).

[@Gkrissy]

Thanks for the video. I never heard of seed bombs. The concept makes sense with using clay. Im in zone 7B and I find my tomatoe seeds sprout up as volunteers in other areas via my homemade compost. I also want to grow more Cosmos as well. They grow very tall and bring in a lot of good pollinators.

[@kmiller6002]

WOW I can't wait to try this Gardener Scott... I have that same Kitty litter for my Big Tom cat... Perfect. Thank You for sharing this video..🙏🙏 Kendra

[@heidiclark6612]

Very intriguing! I never thought of doing this! Thank You!

[@maggiemanzke7926]

What a great idea! Thanks for the simple instructions.

[@meghanschwanke1133]

Love this! They make great gifts too!

[@patriciasimmon6854]

Thanks. Very interesting concept. Think it would be a fun family project.

[@phoebedoesit4168]

There are so many empty ugly lots in my neighborhood... making some guerrilla seed balls sounds like a pretty good idea

[@UrbanChickenMomma]

I love this idea. Especially that I already have everything to make them with. I think I'm going to put them in my flower tower. Thanks❣️🧑‍🌾

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Wow!!! I never heard of this🙋🏽‍♀️I’m so going to do this! Thank you for sharing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@jackiekranz5825]

I love this idea. I am going to try this thank you for sharing.

[@shusha50]

Thank you GS. As always a great video. and in time for us to try our luck. Lovely crisp video.

[@carladelagnomes]

I wondered how you were going to address the seeds that need light to germinate. Good job! Thank you for another informative vid!

[@kimanderson2771]

Very interesting! Cool nights here in New England.... perfect time to give this a go with seeds I've collected. Thank you

[@danajensen2935]

Thanks so much for this tutorial! I’m going to make some seed bombs and throw them out before the snow flies.

[@deecooper1567]

Great idea & easy for a kids project 🤩 👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@Schallerotto]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@mulph7738]

I must try this. Very cool

[@WandooWarrior]

G'day from western Australia! Thanks for the kitty litter tip. Great video.

[@tamararoberts9307]

This is an awesome video! Gonna do this, ty❤

[@lisareaume3857]

I like your video the best out of the 3 I have watched on this topic. Your info makes much more sense to me by rolling the ball INTO the seed instead of putting the seed inside. I was wondering how the wildflowers would germinate without light if the seed were to be put INSIDE the ball😊. GREAT INFO and you are very apt to teach! Well done Grasshopper🌻

[@wistyfish9844]

I’m excited to try this out with some native plant seeds this year. I think I’m going to give them as gifts too, so my family members can plop down some natives in their areas too :)

[@madelineu7971]

I plan on doing this with milkweeds and other native Iowa flowers. Thanks for this video

[@nassernasser879]

Thank you! Nice video.

[@gardenlady58]

Thank you for this video. I have some wildflower seeds that this would be perfect for.

[@wandasway6882]

I would think would be a good way to start your seeds in the fall. Put a bomb of a certain vegetable in seeding planter and store them in a cool place. They will come up when the time is right and you don't have the rush to get all your seeds started at once in the spring; plant them at your leisure during the winter.

[@rogercarroll1663]

Thanks. I have some butterfly milkweed seed I am going to try this method on.

[@sandy-rr1by]

now, that's a fun idea!

[@glennfyfe1357]

Good tip thanks

[@gabipimentel1493]

you're the best!

[@Rainman97x]

Planting seed bombs is praxis.

[@TexasHomesteaders]

Neat idea.

[@marygillispie5397]

Great idea Thanks!

[@melissakingery4393]

Scott normally it takes the Cosmos like 130 days I put mine by transplant in my garden and I already have a open beautiful red flower

[@bridgeovertroubledwater6716]

how about using small seed units and fill them with the mixture and seed so you can do it quicker without the mess? just push them so they are dense and dry them out, then you can pop them out like an ice cube tray and voila!

[@beebo7071]

Neat!

[@jolenedial618]

Love this! 💜 I would like to make these to give as holiday gifts. In Zone 7a, would these have enough cold time if put out around the last of December/first of January? Thank you for such detailed and informative videos. I’m learning so much!

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on the plant, but you should have enough time.

[@MortyKaiShalom]

I feel like you could mix the seeds directly into the mixture, regardless of necessity of sunlight. As you'd likely throw these out in early/mid winter, nature will, as the balls intended, take it's course. Between rain, wind, freezing, critters, insects, sunlight, etc., I imagine the seeds will inevitably be uncovered/dislodged, and do what they need to do, in order to grow. Liked the video, though. Wish I lived in an area, where I had an excuse to do this.

[@suesturges6022]

Is it possible to do this now, the last of April, in Iowa? I really enjoyed your way of making seed bombs! Thank you! April 28, 2022

[@GardenerScott]

You can do it any time. Germination depends on what kind of seeds you use.

[@expatconn7242]

I am The new owner of a older 9020 powermax. Come with a tiller. Cultivator quick attach 3 point Hitch. I plan on Turing my front yard into a mini corn 🌽field . Next year maybe I need to prepare The soils it not good .

[@mapleheightsbranchcuyahoga8071]

Hi Scott! I'm going to do seed bombs as a library program next week. I will be using zinnia and cosmos seeds. Would you recommend that I roll these seeds onto the clay balls? Thanks for your advice! And thanks for recommending cat litter instead of expensive red clay! Regina

[@GardenerScott]

Both are normally sown about 1/4 inch deep, so rolling can be a good option.

[@smack_dab]

Gardener Scott looking like he's holding a hand full of dank nugs

[@TD-vb6il]

Will this work in Ca zone 9b? We don't get a lot of rain some years and winter temps 36 to 40s at night when coldest. So just wondering if what morning dew we might get in cooler season will help germinate when temp conditions are right come early spring. Or will I need to water the areas I bomb to help germinate? 🤔

[@GardenerScott]

Just use seeds for your area and it can work. Adding water can help if you don't get enough natural moisture.

[@wendyburston3132]

Hi Scott, a question. In your little seed containers do you add rice or an absorbent pack for long term storage?

[@GardenerScott]

Not usually. I dry them completely and have a dry climate. If there's any doubt about seed moisture level I'll use desiccant packets,

[@idontwanttopickone]

If you miss autumn/winter. Put the seed bombs in the freezer for a few days.

[@ParanormalAnarchist]

Any update on how these did or a video link?

[@GardenerScott]

I have newer videos that show the flowers growing in the areas I planted them.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

How do you add charcoal to bee bombs / seed balls ? Do you buy the powder or crush up a charcoal piece ? The only charcoal I can find in powder form is activated charcoal and I’m not sure that’s the right one and plus it’s expensive . Charcoal stops animals from eating the seed balls

[@GardenerScott]

I don't add charcoal to my seed balls, but adding crushed biochar is an option.

[@jonahwhale9047]

Is it's worth emphasizing to use fresh kitty litter? Or is it?

[@women.solo.traveller]

👍👍👍🙂💐

[@keetetteturner3147]

I just made seed bombs and put them out in my garden. The temperature has dropped and I hope that I'm not late (growing zone 7a). I put plant labels near where I put the balls so I know what comes up. Can I do seed bombs again in the spring? Here the rule of thumb is to plant peas on St. Patrick"s day. Could I do them then?

[@GardenerScott]

You can do seed bombs any time. The type of seed will determine when it will germinate best. Peas in March should work.

[@PumpedbyArcade]

What is a good method to dry the seed balls. Just have to wait or can I use a hair dryer.

[@drawingmomentum]

😲 😆🤣 that's a funny image to me 😉😜

[@PumpedbyArcade]

@@drawingmomentum Hey, that was a serious question. But I enjoy your response really 😀☺️😁

[@GardenerScott]

I set them in the sun and they dry quickly.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

It’s winter and I’ve just made seed balls and they’ve already started sprouting . What should I do ? If I put them out now the frost may kill them

[@GardenerScott]

You can put them in a pot to continue growing and then transplant when it's warmer.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

@@GardenerScott Thankyou!

[@drusillawinters212]

Where do you get the wildflower seeds for your area?

[@GardenerScott]

I get my native plant seeds from Prairie Moon Nursery.

[@tuloko16]

I have been getting mine at the Dollar General. They are on sale at $0.15 a pack.

[@lastchancemonicam3948]

Consider this scenario. I make seed bombs. Every bird in the bird sanctuary near my house thinks, "Flying food!" No more seed bombs, and no more seeds.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

I don’t have any clay here but I do have diatomaceous Earth. Could I use this ? X

[@GardenerScott]

You can. It may crumble and not be as stable as clay.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

@@GardenerScott Thankyou !

[@kennhurt5636]

What brand is your greenhouse, where did you buy it.cost?

[@GardenerScott]

It is a Planta greenhouse. They have different models with different prices.

[@beckykring1070]

Hmmm, I did the same mix as you and the balls don't hold their shape...😢

[@rubylace9963]

will it work with tree seeds?

[@GardenerScott]

It depends on the needs of the tree seed, but it can work.

[@wilma6181]

What about vegetables will there be low germination.

[@GardenerScott]

It can be done with vegetables and germination might be low.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

Can I make the seed bombs with white air drying clay ?

[@GardenerScott]

Sure.

[@jacksondaniels9960]

@@GardenerScott Thankyou . I wasn’t sure if it was a natural material or not as it seems less natural than the terracotta . And I wasn’t sure if it was biodegradable

[@teresafisher3139]

??? Won't the seeds germinate and then die when they get hit with a frost? Then no seeds or plants in the spring to grow. What stops them from germinating, or do I need to wait until it's consistently cold???

[@GardenerScott]

Seeds won't germinate until day and night and soil temperatures are appropriate. Just like they would do naturally after falling from the plant.

[@teresafisher3139]

@@GardenerScott Thanks so much! I'm going to give it a try

[@KiranBollu]

Collect dates seeds and directly throw on sides of roads, they will grow into date palm trees. You know dates seeds have high germination rate, all the seeds will grow into palm trees .Please spread this idea on your channel.Thank you.

[@GardenerScott]

That may work in some areas, but for me in Colorado date palms will not survive our cold winter.

[@RandyFelts2121]

Gardener Scott do you think this method would work with something like impactions seed since?

[@GardenerScott]

It should be good for impatiens. The seed germinates better with light exposure.

[@RandyFelts2121]

@@GardenerScott Thanks. So the roll plan would be good here I reckon?

[@utubepunk]

Or, if you can't make these, order some from a seller on Etsy.

[@LillieSpencer]

Does this protect the seeds from birds?

[@GardenerScott]

It can. Seeds at the bottom of the ball and ones covered by the soil have more protection than ones that just fall from the flower.

[@LillieSpencer]

@@GardenerScott Thank you for replying and for all you do!

[@innerengineering3396]

Only if there was a machine to plant these seedballs properly fast at scale and water these seedballs once in while. Maybe if the seedball was made by adding manure of local species like goats and cows, they may not eat it. #savesoil

[@jab4634]

Put them in an egg box

[@ngoziok9924]

That is stressful and energy wasting