Do you know what seed bombs are?

These little balls of compost and seeds originated as a form of guerrilla gardening, to bring colour, flowers and pollinating insects back to cities overrun by concrete. Today, they can be turned into a fun and stimulating game to help children discover the rhythms and cycles of nature.

Together with the children who attend the Sale Library (AL), we read Le luci del Nord by Gerda Märtens and then, inspired by the story of Jon the bear, we had a go at making our own seed bombs to brighten up the library garden.

If you’d like to make your own seed bombs too, here’s what you need to do!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

– Potting compost

– Flour (or powdered clay)

– Water

– A bowl for mixing the ingredients

– Wildflower seeds

Please note: if you’re going to throw the seed bombs in your own garden, you’re free to choose whichever flowers and plants you like best, but if you plan to throw them in the wild, make sure you choose seeds from plants native to your area, so as not to risk introducing invasive species.

For example in Northern Italy where our laboratory was held some common wildflowers include chamomile, mallow, poppy, daisy, dandelion and cornflower.

HOW TO PROCEED:

1. Mix three parts potting compost with one part clay or flour in a bowl. This will make the mixture more compact.

2. Add water until the mixture reaches a consistency suitable for shaping.

3. Place a little of the mixture on your hand and place the seeds you want in the centre. Alternatively, if you have lots of seeds, you can pour them straight into the bowl and mix them into the mixture.

4. Shape the ball with your hands.

Now you can either leave the ball to dry so you can take it with you and throw it wherever you like, or you can have fun, just like we did, by throwing it straight into your garden!