How To Make Seed Balls

TAG: Gardening Advice

If you haven't had much success with wildflower seeds, then making seed balls could be the solution for you.

It's not always easy getting wildflower seeds to take off, so making a seed ball, which keeps the seeds together can be the best way to get started.

You can use whatever native plant seed you like, or any seeds that suit the area you live in, just make sure you have purchased them from a reputable seller and that they are suitable for the UK climate and aren't banned here.

What is a seed ball?

A seed ball is a marble sized ball made with clay, earth and seeds.  The clay gives weight to the seeds and holds them together to make re-wilding areas easier, as seeds alone can get blown/washed away, devoured by birds, or baked dry by the sun.  The clay effectively protects the seed.

How seed balls work

The shape of the ball gives enough shade to conserve moisture.

Once the seeds start to germinate the ball breaks apart creating clay crumble.

This small pile of crumble provides a start for the root system, but is still heavy enough to anchor the seedlings to the ground.

Creating seed balls just gives nature a small helping hand in getting going, especially in a country who's weather is always so unpredictable.

It's also something fun you can do with the kids when they are bored and don't know what to do with themselves.

Seed Ball Recipe

Use which ever seeds you prefer.

You'll need a large tub to mix the ingredients in and a large box to dry and store the seeds.

Seed Ball Ingredients

  • 2 parts potting soil
  • 5 parts potting clay mix (available from local art stores)
  • 1-2 parts water
  • 1-2 parts mix of seeds

Directions to making seed balls

  • Mix the soil, clay and 1 part water thoroughly.
  • Slowly add more water until the mixture is a smooth sticky consistency that will hold together when made into a ball.
  • Add the seeds
  • Knead the mixture until the seeds are well mixed in.
  • Add more water if necessary.
  • Take small bits of the mixture and roll into one inch balls.
  • The balls should hold together easily, if they crumble they need more water.
  • Dry the seed balls for 24-48 hours in a shady place before sowing or storing them.

  • The balls store well in a cardboard box.

All you have to do now is place them or toss them onto the area you want to re-wild.  You don't need to bury or water them. 

Now sit back and wait for nature to do the rest.

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