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Seed balls are very easy to make and are great for seeding waste areas in your yard.

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. http://www.primalseeds.org

Ingredients

A. Dry terracotta clay, finely ground and sifted through a strainer to remove large chunks of clay. Amount: 1 1/4 cup

B. Dry organic compost. Amount: 3/4 cup

C. 1/4 cup assorted seeds. Various wildflower & vegetable seeds can be used.


Method


STEP TWO: Mix B & C together. (Seed mixed with dry compost.)

STEP THREE: Add A to B & C mix. Blend everything together well. Next, mist water onto the mixture while stirring. Spray just enough water to allow the mixture to stick/bind together.

STEP FOUR: Take a pinch of the finished mixture and roll (in the palm of your hand) into penny-sized round balls.

STEP FIVE: Put seed balls in the sun to dry completely for a day or two.

STEP SIX: Broadcast seed balls onto dirt area. (around ten seed balls per square metre). Water or wait for rain to allow seeds to germinate.

Suggested seeds to attract beneficial insects:

Clover, alfalfa, alyssum, nasturtium, yarrow, carrot, dill, daikon, celery, radish, fennel, caraway, chervil, gypsophila, coriander, calendula, mustard, anise hyssop, phacelia, agastache, and amaranth.

http://www.pathtofreedom.com/pathproject/gardening/seedballs.shtml

I'm thinking about it.

I can grow any kind of vegetable but I fail at flowers. I think this would be a good exercise to try with flowers.