With Solarpunk action week 2020 (march 8-14th) almost here I thought it would be a good time to give a primer on how to make seedbombs.

Seed bombs are small balls of wild-flour seeds compacted in balls of compost and clay. The idea is you just chuck one onto the desired target patch of earth, and then once it rains, boom; wildflowers.

Why Spread Wildflowers?

This Spreading of wildflowers will help bring more ecological diversity to urban areas, this will benefit a lot of insect populations, especially bees. I think by now everyone’s starting to understand how important that is. They also will help with water runoff in heavy rainfall seasons and enrich the soil.

It also will help to bring colour and nature to urban settings. Neglected patches of land, roundabouts, sides of roads etc are all great targets. Wildflowers are also really tough and once they establish themselves it can be hard to get rid of them.

It’s best to spread them in spring and autumn, when there is heavier rainfall, as they are activated by water.

What you will need:

• Packs of wildflower seeds. MAKE SURE THEY ARE NATIVE TO YOUR REGION. You do not want to be spreading invasive species.
• Peat free compost. This is available from most garden centres, DIY stores etc.
• Clay powder. This can be gotten from craft hobby shops and art supply shops.

How to make them:

1. Mix together the three ingredients. 1 part seeds, 3 parts clay and 5 parts compost.
2. Slowly add water to the point the mixture can be moulded  but still retain its shape.
3. Form small balls out of the mix and leave on a tray to air dry, preferably by a sunny window. this means they will dry fast enough that the seeds will not start to sprout.