Seed Bomb Wedding Favors: A Diy Guide

Seed bombs are a fun, interactive, and eco-friendly wedding favour idea. They are typically thrown in urban or city areas with no vegetation to introduce vegetation and natural beauty to forgotten places. You can make seed bombs with clay powder, potting soil, and wildflower seeds. They are very easy to make in large or small quantities and can be made in all shapes and sizes. You can add dried native petals, tea leaves, coloured tissue, glitter, and food colouring to make them more colourful. You can also use paper, a blender, and a tea towel to make seed bombs. Once they are dry, you can add cute favour tags to make them look fancy.

Choosing seeds native to your area

When making seed bombs as wedding favors, it is important to choose seeds that are native to your area. This ensures that the seeds will be compatible with the local environment and have a better chance of growing successfully.

To start, research the types of wildflowers that are native to your region. You can do this by consulting local gardening resources, speaking to experts at a nearby nursery, or searching for wildflower seed mixes formulated for your area. Using native seeds will also ensure that you are not introducing invasive species to the environment.

When selecting seeds, consider the climate and growing conditions of your area. Choose seeds that are suited to the amount of sunlight, moisture, and soil type that your guests' gardens typically receive. If you live in a region with distinct seasons, you may also want to choose seeds that are suited to the current season or the upcoming one. For example, if you are in a cooler climate, fall is a good time to plant seeds as it gives them time to settle before winter.

Additionally, think about the purpose of your seed bombs. Are you aiming to add beauty to forgotten urban spaces, or do you want to attract pollinators and support local wildlife? Choosing seeds that are native to your area will help you achieve these goals. Native plants are more likely to be compatible with the existing ecosystem, providing food and habitat for local wildlife.

Finally, keep in mind that some seeds may be harder to find than others. If you are looking for a specific type of native seed, you may need to plan ahead and source them from local suppliers or online retailers specializing in native seeds.

Selecting the right paper

• Colour: If you want to avoid grey or dull-coloured seed bombs, opt for using mostly white paper. Collecting and recycling your own paper from your recycling bin can be a great way to source white paper. This can include items like old to-do lists, letters, or other documents. However, be mindful that using paper with excessive ink can affect the final colour.
• Quality: The quality of the paper also matters. Using higher-quality paper will result in a better outcome. Try to avoid newspaper, as it can make your seed bombs look grey.
• Quantity: Depending on the number of seed bombs you plan to make, you will need approximately one sheet of paper per favour. For example, for 100 favours, you will need around 100 sheets of paper.
• Preparation: Before using the paper, it is essential to shred it into small pieces. Soaking the shredded paper in warm water overnight will help soften it and make it easier to blend.
• Blending: To create the pulp mixture for your seed bombs, use a blender to process the soaked paper. Add warm water as needed to ensure the paper is thoroughly blended. It is recommended to use a dedicated blender specifically for this purpose, as the process can be demanding on the blender's motor.
• Additives: To enhance the colour and texture of your seed bombs, you can consider adding dried native petals, tea leaves, coloured tissue, glitter, or food colouring. These additives are optional, but they can make your seed bombs more visually appealing.

By considering these factors and choosing the right type of paper, you can create eco-friendly seed bomb wedding favours that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Mixing the clay, soil and seeds

Mixing the clay, soil, and seeds is a simple process, but it can get quite messy! First, you'll need to gather your ingredients: clay powder, potting soil or compost, and wildflower seeds. You can also add other optional ingredients like earthworm castings fertilizer, dried native petals, tea leaves, coloured tissue, glitter, or food colouring.

The basic ratio for the mixture is one part clay to two parts soil or compost. For example, if you're using one cup of clay, you'll need two cups of soil. You can adjust the amounts depending on how many seed bombs you want to make. Add your clay and soil to a large glass bowl and mix them together thoroughly. It might take a while for the mixture to come together, but keep mixing until it forms a thick paste similar to bread dough or chocolate chip cookie dough.

Once your clay and soil are fully combined, it's time to add the seeds. Take a small amount of the clay/soil mixture, about the size of a quarter, and dip it into a bowl of wildflower seeds. Then, roll the mixture into a small ball with your palms. This method ensures that you get the perfect amount of seeds in each bomb and also protects your hands from sharp seeds.

Place your seed bombs on a foil or newspaper-lined tray to dry. It's important to let them dry completely before packaging, as moist bombs can develop mould. Find a well-ventilated area and let them sit for about 2-3 days until they are fully hardened.

Shaping the seed bombs

For the actual shaping, you can use your hands to roll the mixture into balls, which is the most common method. Take a small amount of the mixture, about a quarter-sized piece, and roll it into a ball using the palms of your hands. If you want to get creative, you can shape the seed bombs like eggs by pressing one side slightly more than the other, creating an egg-like form. This unique shape adds a whimsical touch to your wedding favours.

Another option for shaping is to use ice cube trays. Press the seed bomb mixture into the trays, and then carefully press the bombs out once they are dry. This method allows you to create uniformly shaped seed bombs and explore different shapes, such as hearts or circles.

When shaping your seed bombs, it's important to remember that they will need to dry completely before packaging. Place them on a foil-lined or newspaper-lined tray and let them air dry for about 2-3 days in a well-ventilated area. Ensure they are fully dry before packaging to avoid the growth of mould.

You can also add decorative elements to your seed bombs. Consider incorporating dried native petals, tea leaves, coloured tissue, glitter, or food colouring to enhance their visual appeal. These optional additions can make your seed bomb wedding favours even more special and personalised.

Once your seed bombs are dry and ready, you can package them in clear gift bags or fabric pouches. Don't forget to include a tag with planting instructions and a thoughtful message for your wedding guests.

Drying and packaging the seed bombs

Drying your seed bombs is an important step in the process of making them. If they are packaged before they are fully dry, they could develop mould. Depending on the recipe you use, your seed bombs should be left to dry for at least two days and up to three days. One source suggests that drying them outside is ideal, but be sure to keep them from getting wet from rain or sprinklers. You can also dry them inside in a well-ventilated area.

If you live in an area with a lot of fog or rain, you may want to dry your seed bombs in the oven. However, be aware that the compost in the seed bombs may start to smell, and you also run the risk of cooking and killing the seeds. One suggestion is to dry rice in the oven at 250°F (120°C) and then let it cool before mixing in your seed bombs. This way, you separate the water removal heat step from the seeds.

Once your seed bombs are fully dry, they will be hard and ready to package. One idea is to wrap them in small fabric squares and tie them off with twine or thin ribbon. You can also place them in small, clear gift bags with a little paper crinkle at the bottom. Don't forget to include a tag with planting instructions!

Frequently asked questions