DO-IT-YOURSELF: SEED BALLS

The Why

Seed balls are a great way to bring life to vacant land. The combination of seeds, clay, and potting mix is a simple delivery system that protects the seeds, holds on to water, and contains enough nutrients for sprouts to get started in poor soil. No tools or digging necessary! Seed balls are simply scattered on the ground to wait for the next rain.

Chicago neighborhoods have a surplus of vacant lots - land that can goes unused for years. By adding plants, we can bring life to dead soil, beautify blighted areas, decrease water runoff, absorb carbon dioxide, reduce heat, create habitat, and clean up contaminants.

The What

Clay, potting mix, and seeds.You can buy pottery clay at art supply stores or find the local variety about 18 inches underground (try a construction site). You can buy seeds in the bulk section of the health food store or online, for example Seeds of Change. Try millet, wheat berries, mustard seed, popcorn, whole peas, lentils, beans, raw sunflower seeds, or birdseed mix.

The How

Make a pancake from a handful of clay, and press into a scattered handful of potting mix. Flip over and press again.

Sprinkle seeds over the pancake. Use at least three types of seeds, about a teaspoon of each. Using a few different species improves the chances of success in a variety of conditions. Roll up the pancake and knead it a little. Add a little water if it’s crumbly.

Form into small balls about an inch in diameter. They can be used right away or put them somewhere dark and airy to dry.

Toss seed balls onto vacant land. They work best where there isn’t much ground cover. Use about one ball per square foot. Tennis rackets and slingshots can extend your range.
Wait for rain.

Measuring

Measure out each type of seeds to be used.

Mixing

Mix thoroughly.

Cut clay

With a wire tool, cut the block of clay into manageable pieces.

Cut Clay

And form them into pancakes.

Rolling 1

Roll the clay mixture into a log.

Rolling 2

Roll and cut

Roll the log until it is about 1 inch diameter, then cut into 1 inch long pieces.

Log Segments

Form into Balls

Roll each piece into balls

Drying the Balls

Put the formed balls, in a single layer, somewhere to dry overnight.

Completed Seed Balls

Now they are ready for deployment!

Sprouted Seed Balls

We sprouted these in a pot for UHC’s entry, “Fight the Blight - Fling Some Green”, in Columbia College’s show: Pass It On: Connecting Contemporary Do-It-Yourself Culture.