Earth Day Girl Scout Activity: Seed Balls
A seed ball is a marble to egg yoke sized ball made of clay, Earth and seeds which are used to replant areas where the natural flora has been destroyed for whatever reason.
Also, referred to as "seed bombs" for guerrilla gardening. Some say it originated in Japan while others claim Greece, but the important thing is that the native plant seed ball has now been used around the world to reseed land that has been abused by man or by Mother Nature herself. They are a fun activity for kids to make because honestly what kid doesn't like to play in the mud!
These not only make a great gift for girls to hand out to other troops or the community they are also a great way to talk about caring for the Earth and our communities.
Seed Ball Recipe
2 parts potting soil
5 parts pottery clay mix from your local art store
1-2 parts water
1-2 parts seeds of your choice
You'll also need a large tub/bowl to mix ingredients and a large box to dry and store seed balls.
Directions: Mix the soil, clay and 1 part water thoroughly. There should be no lumps. It's very important to break up the lumps so that you have plenty of seeds and not just a bunch of dirt.
Slowly add more water until the mixture is the consistency of the toy store molding clay that comes in a can. Add seeds. Keep kneading the mud dough until the seeds are well mixed in. Add more water if necessary but take care to add it gradually so you don't get a mess.
Take small bits of the clay mixture and roll into balls about one to two inch in diameter sizes. The balls should hold together easily. If they’re crumbly, add more water. If they are not staying in a ball form they are too wet and you need more soil and clay.
Dry seed balls for 24-48 hours in a shady place before sowing or storing. They store best in a cardboard box. Do not use plastic bags. The last step in how to make flower seed balls is sowing them. You can either head over to a local field or send them home to allow the girls to choose where to put them.
Yes, you can place them carefully over the area to be planted or you can gently toss them one at a time. Tossing them is a lot more fun! Just make sure the girls know that they don't need to bury them. They also don't need to water them once they are sowed. Just allow mother Nature to take it from there.
Also, referred to as "seed bombs" for guerrilla gardening. Some say it originated in Japan while others claim Greece, but the important thing is that the native plant seed ball has now been used around the world to reseed land that has been abused by man or by Mother Nature herself. They are a fun activity for kids to make because honestly what kid doesn't like to play in the mud!
These not only make a great gift for girls to hand out to other troops or the community they are also a great way to talk about caring for the Earth and our communities.
Seed Ball Recipe
2 parts potting soil
5 parts pottery clay mix from your local art store
1-2 parts water
1-2 parts seeds of your choice
You'll also need a large tub/bowl to mix ingredients and a large box to dry and store seed balls.
Directions: Mix the soil, clay and 1 part water thoroughly. There should be no lumps. It's very important to break up the lumps so that you have plenty of seeds and not just a bunch of dirt.
Slowly add more water until the mixture is the consistency of the toy store molding clay that comes in a can. Add seeds. Keep kneading the mud dough until the seeds are well mixed in. Add more water if necessary but take care to add it gradually so you don't get a mess.
Take small bits of the clay mixture and roll into balls about one to two inch in diameter sizes. The balls should hold together easily. If they’re crumbly, add more water. If they are not staying in a ball form they are too wet and you need more soil and clay.
Dry seed balls for 24-48 hours in a shady place before sowing or storing. They store best in a cardboard box. Do not use plastic bags. The last step in how to make flower seed balls is sowing them. You can either head over to a local field or send them home to allow the girls to choose where to put them.
Yes, you can place them carefully over the area to be planted or you can gently toss them one at a time. Tossing them is a lot more fun! Just make sure the girls know that they don't need to bury them. They also don't need to water them once they are sowed. Just allow mother Nature to take it from there.
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