2 04 R e s to r i n g L a n d a n d Pl a n t i n g Tr ee s
How to make seed balls
A simple method to restore plant life to an eroded area is by using seed balls.
Each year, collect wild seeds. Children are especially good at gathering seeds, and
it is a fun learning activity.
Gather as many different kinds of seeds as possible from plants native to the area.
With these seeds and some soil, make little balls.
Mix:
1 part
mixed
seeds
2 parts
sifted compost or
planting soil
3 parts
clay soil sifted to
remove stones
a small
amount
of water
Mix seeds with compost or planting soil, then add clay. Add just enough water to
make the mixture damp. If you add too much water, the seeds will sprout too soon.
Make small balls out of this mixture. Let them dry for a few days in the sun.
Just before or during the rainy season, go to the area where you
want to restore plant life and toss the balls out. Building contour
trenches and other barriers there first (see page 293) will direct
surface runoff water and help the seeds sprout and grow.
The seeds will sprout when it rains. The compost provides nutrients, and the clay
prevents the seeds from drying out, being eaten by mice or birds, or blowing away.
After a year the new plants will make their own seeds, and before long many new
plants will grow. Soil will build up around the plants, preventing erosion.
Soon, other kinds of plants will appear. If it is not disturbed, after many years the
whole area will be restored.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012