Seed Bomb Wedding Favors: Diy Eco-Friendly Gifts For Guests

Seed bombs are a fun, eco-friendly wedding favour that your guests can use to grow flowers, edible crops, or a herb garden. They are balls of clay, compost, and seeds that can be launched into an area with no vegetation, such as wasteland or railways, to introduce new vegetation. You can make your own seed bombs using clay powder, potting soil, and wildflower seeds, or you can buy them in bulk and package them yourself.

What are seed bombs?

Seed bombs are a fun, eco-friendly, and interactive wedding favour. They are balls of clay, compost, and seeds, which can be thrown into areas with no vegetation, such as wasteland or railways, to introduce new plant life. The clay and compost act as a carrier for the seeds, allowing them to be launched over obstacles and into otherwise inaccessible areas.

Seed bombs were originally used by hippies to "spruce up" barren areas, and this method of aerial reforestation or "guerrilla gardening" has now become an ecological trend. They are an excellent way to give back natural beauty to forgotten places and can be used to grow wildflowers, edible crops, or herb gardens.

Seed bombs can be made with clay powder, potting soil, and wildflower seeds. You can also add compost and water to help the seeds germinate and grow. The clay powder acts as a binder, keeping the soil and seeds together, and will dry to prevent them from falling apart. The mixture should have a thick paste-like consistency and can be shaped into balls or other fun shapes, such as eggs.

Making seed bombs can be a messy process, but it is relatively simple and can be done in large or small quantities. Once the seed bombs are shaped, they need to be dried completely, which can take around 2-3 days. After drying, they can be wrapped in fabric or placed in corn plastic bags with ribbons and tags containing planting instructions.

Choosing the right seeds

Seed bombs are a fun and interactive wedding favour that can brighten up any barren spot of land. However, it is important to choose the right seeds for your seed bombs. Here are some tips to help you select the best seeds:

Native Species

It is essential to choose native wildflower seeds for your seed bombs. Native species are already adapted to the local climate and geology, which will increase their chances of germination and survival. Using native seeds also ensures that you are not accidentally introducing invasive species to your locality, which could harm the local ecosystem.

Seed Combination

You can use seeds from a single plant species or combine compatible seeds in your seed bombs. Combining seeds can create a diverse wildflower garden or a mix of edible crops or herbs. However, be careful not to use too many seeds in each bomb, as this can lead to overcrowding and competition between the plants.

Seed Maturity

Consider the maturity of the seeds you are using. Fresh seeds with a good germination rate are ideal, and only a few seeds are needed in each bomb if they are fresh and viable.

Colour and Texture

If you are using dried flowers or petals in your seed bombs for colour and texture, opt for small, colourful flowers like tree blossoms and violets. Avoid white and yellow flowers, as they tend to turn brown. You can also add dried native petals, tea leaves, coloured tissue, glitter, or food colouring to enhance the visual appeal of your seed bombs.

Seed Availability

When selecting seeds, consider their availability and cost. If you need a large quantity of seeds, it may be more cost-effective to buy in bulk or choose seeds that are readily available in your region.

Timing

If you want your seed bombs to be in bloom during a specific season or month, choose seeds that typically flower during that time. For example, if your wedding is in August, select seeds that are known to bloom during that month.

Environmental Impact

Finally, consider the environmental impact of your seed bombs. Choose seeds that will benefit local wildlife, such as butterflies and bees. By selecting the right seeds, you can create a positive ecological impact and contribute to the welfare of the plants and the environment they grow in.

Remember to have fun with the process and get creative! Seed bombs are a unique and interactive way to share your love of nature with your wedding guests.

Mixing the ingredients

The first step is to measure out equal parts of potting soil or compost and clay powder. For a smaller batch, you can use a ratio of 1:2 for clay and soil/compost, with a small amount of water. For a larger batch, you can use 4 cups each of clay powder and potting soil, 1 cup of wildflower seeds, and 1/4 cup of water.

Once you have measured out your ingredients, place them in the glass bowl and start mixing. This part can be quite challenging as the mixture will be very thick and may feel like it is never going to come together. Keep mixing, and you will eventually get a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add a little more water, but be careful not to add too much, as you don't want the mixture to become runny.

The mixing process can be quite dirty, so it is recommended to keep paper towels on hand and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty! Once your mixture is well combined, you are ready to start forming your seed bombs.

Shaping the bombs

Once you have your mixture ready, it's time to start shaping your seed bombs. Take a small amount of the mixture, about a quarter-sized piece, and dip it into a bowl of seeds. This ensures the perfect amount of seeds in each bomb and protects your hands from sharp seeds. Then, simply roll the mixture into a ball using your palms. You can also get creative and shape them like eggs or other fun shapes.

Place each seed bomb on a foil- or newspaper-lined tray. They will need a few days to dry completely, so find a safe, well-ventilated area to keep them. Avoid placing them outdoors where they might get wet from rain or sprinklers. You'll know they're ready when they feel hard to the touch.

Now you have your very own seed bombs! These eco-friendly creations are not only fun to make but also make unique wedding favors that your guests can use to spread beauty and life.

Drying and packaging

Drying your seed bombs is a crucial step in the process of making wedding favours. It is important that they are completely dry before you package them, as you don't want them to grow mould or start sprouting. Depending on the ingredients you use, they can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dry. One source suggests leaving them in a well-ventilated area for around three days. Another recommends keeping them safe from rain or sprinklers, and leaving them to dry outside if possible.

Once your seed bombs are dry, you can start packaging them. One option is to use small, clear gift bags with some paper crinkle at the bottom, and a tag at the top with a message like "You're the bomb" or instructions on how to use the seed bombs. You can also tie them up with a ribbon or twine, or place them in a biodegradable corn plastic bag with a tag. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own tags from seed paper and print planting instructions on the back.

Frequently asked questions