Make Your Own Wildflower Seed Bombs

Wildflower seed bombs are great gifts, easy to make and a useful way to repurpose old newspapers or junk mail. When these bombs are planted in soil or a container, you can create a little patch of wildflower heaven for pollinating insects.This craft can get a little messy, so wear aprons. You can use any recyclable paper, including tissue paper, school worksheets and grocery store bags. I’ve rolled these seed bombs into balls but if you have a special occasion in mind, you can use a cookie cutter or silicone mould to form specific shapes. Seed bombs are good to pop in party bags or give to a teacher at the end of the school year to say thank you. They also make ideal wedding favours.

EQUIPMENT

• Recyclable paper
  
• Scissors
  
• Large bowl
  
• Water
  
• Food processor
  
• Strainer
  
• Cloth
  
• Native wildflower seeds
  
• Cookie cutters/silicone mould (optional)
  
• Reusable sponge (optional)
  
• Dish towel or cooking rack
  

HOW TO MAKE

1. Cut your paper into small pieces and place in a bowl.
   
2. Add water to the bowl, ensuring that the paper is saturated. Leave the paper to soak for 30 minutes.
   
3. Tip the soaked paper into the blender or food processor. Add more water to cover the paper, then blend to a pulp.
   
4. Place the strainer over the bowl. Pop a cloth on the bottom of the strainer. Remove the pulp from the blender or food processor and place it on the cloth.
   
5. Add 2–3 tablespoons of native wildflower seeds to the pulp. Fold the cloth in half and squeeze out any excess water. The mixture should be moist but not soaking wet.
   
6. Roll the pulp into small, walnut sized balls or push into cookie cutters or silicone moulds. If you choose to use a cutter or a mould, you may need to remove excess water. To do this, press down firmly on each bomb with a sponge. Gently remove the cookie cutter to reuse.
   
7. Place each seed bomb on a dish towel or cooling rack to dry. This should take approximately two days.
   

HOW TO PLANT

1. Plant outdoors in spring in a flower bed or a container or indoors in a container placed on a sunny windowsill.
   
2. Dig a hole roughly the size of your seed bomb. Place the bomb in the hole and cover with compost. Water well.
   
3. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks after planting.
   
4. You should see signs of germination in 2–3 weeks.
   

NOTE Add a label with planting instructions if you are gifting the seed bombs.