Seed balls are a method for distributing seeds by encasing them in a mixture of clay and soil humus. Some native North American tribes used forms of seed balls. More recently natural farmer Masanobu Fukuoka has applied them, as have others inspired by his work.
Seed balls are simply scattered direct onto ground, and not planted. They could be useful for seeding dry, thin and compacted soils and for reclaiming derelict ground. This method takes a fraction of the time or cost of other methods to cover large areas and is also very applicable in small areas.
The clay and humus ball prevents the seeds from the drying out in the sun, getting eaten by predators like mice and birds, or from blowing away. When sufficient rain has permeated the clay and the seeds inside sprout they are protected within the ball that contains nutrients and beneficial soil microbes. Seed balls are particularly useful in dry and arid areas where rainfall is highly unpredictable. www.primalseeds.org
Step 1: INGREDIENTS
A. Dry terracotta clay, finely ground and sifted through a strainer to remove large chunks of clay. Amount: 1 1/4 cup
B. Dry organic compost. Amount: 3/4 cup
C. 1/4 cup assorted seeds. Various wildflower & vegetable seeds can be used.
Step 2: Mix B & C together. (Seed mixed with dry compost.)
Step 3: Add A to B & C mix. Blend everything together well. Next, mist water onto the mixture while stirring. Spray just enough water to allow the mixture to stick/bind together.
Step 4: Take a pinch of the finished mixture and roll (in the palm of your hand) into penny-sized round balls.
Step 5: Put seed balls in the sun to dry completely for a day or two.
Step 6: Broadcast seed balls onto dirt area. Water or wait for rain to allow seeds to germinate.
Makes approximately 30-40 balls, with a minimum of ten seed balls per square metre (12 Sq feet); a higher density may be required to reclaim derelict land.
Suggested seeds to attract beneficial insects:
Clover, alfalfa, alyssum, nasturtium, yarrow, carrot, dill, daikon, celery, radish, fennel, caraway, chervil, gypsophila, coriander, calendula, mustard, anise hyssop, phacelia, agastache, and amaranth.
http://www.pathtofreedom.com/pathproject/gardening/seedballs.shtml
Seed balls are simply scattered direct onto ground, and not planted. They could be useful for seeding dry, thin and compacted soils and for reclaiming derelict ground. This method takes a fraction of the time or cost of other methods to cover large areas and is also very applicable in small areas.
The clay and humus ball prevents the seeds from the drying out in the sun, getting eaten by predators like mice and birds, or from blowing away. When sufficient rain has permeated the clay and the seeds inside sprout they are protected within the ball that contains nutrients and beneficial soil microbes. Seed balls are particularly useful in dry and arid areas where rainfall is highly unpredictable. www.primalseeds.org
Step 1: INGREDIENTS
A. Dry terracotta clay, finely ground and sifted through a strainer to remove large chunks of clay. Amount: 1 1/4 cup
B. Dry organic compost. Amount: 3/4 cup
C. 1/4 cup assorted seeds. Various wildflower & vegetable seeds can be used.
Step 2: Mix B & C together. (Seed mixed with dry compost.)
Step 3: Add A to B & C mix. Blend everything together well. Next, mist water onto the mixture while stirring. Spray just enough water to allow the mixture to stick/bind together.
Step 4: Take a pinch of the finished mixture and roll (in the palm of your hand) into penny-sized round balls.
Step 5: Put seed balls in the sun to dry completely for a day or two.
Step 6: Broadcast seed balls onto dirt area. Water or wait for rain to allow seeds to germinate.
Makes approximately 30-40 balls, with a minimum of ten seed balls per square metre (12 Sq feet); a higher density may be required to reclaim derelict land.
Suggested seeds to attract beneficial insects:
Clover, alfalfa, alyssum, nasturtium, yarrow, carrot, dill, daikon, celery, radish, fennel, caraway, chervil, gypsophila, coriander, calendula, mustard, anise hyssop, phacelia, agastache, and amaranth.
http://www.pathtofreedom.com/pathproject/gardening/seedballs.shtml