How to Make Seed Balls: A Fun and Easy Planting Technique

Clay soil frustrates many gardeners, but it's perfect for making seed balls—a simple, fun process like patting mud or rolling modeling clay. Mix easy-to-grow seeds with soft clay, shape into balls. Seed balls make planting small seeds easier, protect them from washing away or being eaten by birds.

Seed balls revive a time-tested technique. Native Americans packed seeds in clay for storage and transport. Modern guerrilla gardeners popularized "seed bombs" for planting on abandoned lots to beautify urban landscapes.

Follow our step-by-step instructions to grow beautiful flower clusters!

Materials

• Fresh clay soil or dried clay
• Compost
• Water
• Seeds
• Cell packs (optional)
• Plant labels (optional)
• Drying rack

Step 1

If you lack clay soil, use dried clay from a ceramics supplier. Mix two parts dried clay with one part compost. Add water until soft and malleable.

Step 2

Mix clay by hand or stir to proper rolling consistency. Too runny? Add dried clay. Too stiff? Add water.

Step 3

Roll clay between palms into walnut-sized balls (about 1 inch diameter).

Step 4

Press 20–30 seeds into each ball. Reshape, working seeds into clay. Set on rack to dry several days in a warm, airy place. Store away from heat and moisture. Label if desired.