Have you ever heard of seed bombs? They are wildflower seeds that people form into a ball and throw around areas of urban landscapes that look like they need some more greenery. They are a fun way to get involved and create a greener space in your community.
Seed bombs started in the 1970s with the Guerrilla gardening movement in New York City, in an attempt to bring more greenery to the city. While seed bombs started over 50 years ago, they are still very much relevant and a fun way to spread greenery across your city’s landscape.
Planting these seed bombs are not only for the aesthetic purpose of creating a more beautiful community. We rely on plants for many aspects of our life and we may not even realize it.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which we need to breathe. Trees also provide a habitat for many animals and insects, as well they can help cool down the temperature in the warmer months. We need plants in our cities, which is why initiatives like these can be very beneficial.
How do I make seed bombs?
- You want to mix together 1 cup of wildflower seeds, 4 cups of compost and 2 cups of clay powder, or soil could work as an alternative.
- Then you want to slowly add in water and mix it together. Make sure the consistency is not runny, as you want to be able to form it into a ball.
- You want to form it into little balls, around the size of a golf ball.
- Once they are ready, you can go around planting them!
How do you plant seed bombs?
You can either throw them like they did in the Guerrilla gardening movement, but make sure to soak them in water first, this will help them plant better. Or if you don’t want to toss them, you can make a small opening in the soil and place your seed bomb in the hole but make sure you don’t cover it with soil.
The idea behind these seed bombs is amazing, as it allows for members of the community to come together and participate in forming a greener city landscape. Even if not all the seed bombs bloom into flowers, the act of still engaging in this activity, can contribute to helping your community.
