During the 2024 SKIP workshop I made 4 1/4 lbs of seed balls. I tried enveloping a larger tree seed in the mix of smaller seed just to see how well it would work. Discovered the size of the walnuts wasn’t problematic but their smooth surface was. I still managed to form viable seed balls but the tactic would work better with rougher “nuts” or if I scarified them first. My seed mix included:
Mike Haasl wrote:This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEP curriculum. Completing this BB is part of getting the sand badge in Foraging.
Seed balls are a technique for planting stuff without planting it. Just assemble the seeds in a ball of compost and clay and chuck them into places where you want plants to show up. The compost brings fertility to the process. The clay holds the ball together and gives the seeds something to germinate in once there is water present.
To complete this BB, the minimum requirements is to make at least 4 lbs (fresh weight) of seed balls/bombs:
o at least an inch in diameter
o can either be used immediately or quickly dried for storage (before the seeds germinate)
o at least six different species in each ball/bomb
- at least four of the species are perennials
- possible species:
o nettle
o dandelion
o maple
o mulberry
o apricots
o apples
o black locust
o sepp grain
o daikon radish
o alfalfa
o tomato
o sunflower
o lupine
o squash
o kale
o turnip
o cherry
To document your completion of the BB, provide the following:
- A picture of the seeds in your mixing container
- The balls/bombs being created
- A picture of the finished balls on a scale showing the weight
- A listing of the seeds you used
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The perennial seeds I used were: asparagus, artichoke, apple and thyme. The rest are: lupine,miners lettuce, radish, arugula, chard, parsley and carrots.
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I mixed the seeds with cay and soil from the creek
Hi! I love the idea of making seed balls--can anyone weigh in on if/how well they worked? And any species or techniques that were particularly successful or unsuccessful? Thank you!
I hired a bunch of ninjas. The fridge is empty, but I can't find them to tell them the mission.