Seed Balls

Seed balls are a method of propagation widely promoted by Natural Farming innovator Masanobu Fukuoka. Seed balls are simply seeds mixed with equal proportions of dried compost and clay, formed into small balls, and dried for later sowing.

To make them, simply select the seeds to be used - thick-skinned seeds will need to be scarified, and some seeds need heat or cold to bring them out of dormancy. Legumes will require inoculant if they are to fix nitrogen. Also, for species that can benefit from mycorrhizal relationships, adding the spores of mycorrhizal fungi would be beneficial, though not necessary.

Once dried, the balls are ready to be spread over land that you want to plant. When the rains come, the seeds will germinate.

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.

here is a general guide line for making seed balls:

STEP ONE: 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 TWO: Mix B & C together. (Seed mixed with dry compost.)

STEP THREE: 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 FOUR: Take a pinch of the finished mixture and roll (in the palm of your hand) into penny-sized round balls, 2~3 cm in diameter.

STEP FIVE: Finally, dry the balls for later use. Put seed balls in the sun to dry completely for a day or two.

STEP SIX: Broadcast seed balls onto dirt area. Water or wait for rain to allow seeds to germinate.

Makes approximately 30-40 balls

Masanobu Fukuoka Makes Seed Balls:
www.youtube.com/watch

talk bout true guerrilla gardening;

Imagine tanks used, not for warfare, but to pull land imprinters to give seed balls an advantage. Imaging cluster bombs, not killing, but being used to distribute seed balls over deserts creating green explosions. While some of these ideas may seem unrealistic, they are within the realm of possibility... if we only act.

Some 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.

Application rate:
A minimum of ten seed balls per square meter, a higher density may be required to reclaim derelict land.

Note: Please be advised to check with your local nursery or agriculture agency to determine which beneficial, native plant species would best serve the habitat which you are trying to restore. Nonnative invader species that are proven voracious spreaders should never be used as a tool of ecological restoration.