Seed Balls

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Seed balls are a method for distributing seeds by encasing them in a mixture of clay and soil humus. Some native North American tribes used forms of

seed balls. More recently natural farmer Masanobu Fukuoka has applied them, as have others inspired by his work.

Seed balls are simply scattered direct onto ground, and not planted. They could be useful for seeding dry, thin and compacted soils and for reclaiming derelict ground. This method takes a fraction of the time or cost of other methods to cover large areas and is also very applicable in small areas.

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.

INGREDIENTS OF SEED BALLS

Seed Mixtures

Seed balls usually contain a mixture of seeds. For reclaiming derelict ground or reforestation a wide selection of appropriate species are used. Mixtures can also be used for setting up edible systems that include seed of nitrogen-fixing plants and companion plants.

Mixtures are used for experimentation, some things will fail to establish themselves; those that succeed will be the most suitable for that location. Much can be learned by observation of results. The making of seed balls is very easy, but choosing the right species to include is not so obvious and the introduction of non-native species should always be carried out with thought and care.

Clay

Fukuoka recommends red clay because it contains more minerals, especially iron and manganese, than most gray clays. Depending on needs and location choosing local clay, that is the basis of local soil and contains local microorganic life, may have good results.

Soil

Compost or humus reach soil is required. Compost from your own local soil is best, as it contains local soil microorganisms.

Making seed balls

Use approximately 2 parts seed to 3 parts of dry sifted compost and 5 parts of powdered red clay. Mix in well, then gradually add water until the right constancy is reached for rolling into balls of about a half-inch in diameter. (Number of seeds per ball will vary depending on seed size). Seed balls are then left outside to dry, and can then be scattered or stored long term until needed.

Application rate

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

Watering

Do not water seed balls they will absorb water from the ground, dew, rain and the air around them and sprout when the time is right.

 

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