How to Make Seed Bombs: A Seed Ball Workshop for Companies

A seed bomb (seed ball) is a natural sowing method in which clay, soil or compost and seeds are kneaded into walnut-sized balls, dried and then left on the ground. The ball protects the seed from birds, wind and drying out until rain arrives; when it gets wet it breaks down and the seed sprouts.

We run the corporate version as the Seed Bomb Workshop: teams make the balls together, then the balls are planted in a pre-selected area. The video first shows production under a gazebo in a company garden, then planting on open land.

What materials do you need for seed balls?

• Clay or clay powder: the binder that holds the ball together and protects the seed.
• Soil or compost: gives the seedling its first nutrients.
• Seeds: suited to the local climate, ideally native species.
• Water: just enough to shape the mixture without turning it into mud.
• Bowls, gloves and table covers: for clean, fast work.

How do you make seed bombs? Step by step

1. Mix the clay and soil dry; a common ratio is about five parts clay to one part soil or compost.
2. Add the seeds and spread them evenly through the mixture.
3. Add water little by little until it holds its shape without sticking to your hands.
4. Take walnut-sized pieces and roll them between your palms.
5. Dry the balls in a shaded, airy spot for a day or two.
6. Store the dried balls somewhere cool and dry until planting day.

How and when do you plant seed bombs?

The best time is autumn and early spring, when the rains begin. The balls can be scattered on the planting area or, as in the video, placed in shallow holes opened with a small trowel and lightly covered with soil. We do not choose the planting area at random: a permitted area suitable for afforestation or greening and seeds suited to the region are agreed in advance. At one of our workshops around 1,000 seed bombs were made and planted in the Ali Genç Memorial Forest.

How do you run a seed ball event at a company?

The workshop adapts to groups of 10 to 500 and its length depends on the programme. It works as a station at a sustainability day, World Environment Day, a company festival or a social responsibility programme. With large groups we add more tables, each team fills its own crate and a counter keeps track, so the day ends with the feeling of reaching a shared goal. The cost depends on the number of participants, the number of balls, the city, whether planting is a separate outing and any packaging or brand personalisation. If you want a nature workshop whose result goes back to the office, our Terrarium & Grass Head Workshop is a good partner; our guide to choosing a workshop can help you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you would like your team to leave a mark in the soil, contact us.