While the name itself packs a punch, seed bombing is the simple and peaceful act of tossing homemade balls of soil and seeds into neglected urban areas with the hope of wildflowers and native plants sprouting up. This guerilla form of urban gardening is again gaining popularity, but it is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around for decades, spearheaded by Black women of New York City in the 1970s dedicated to radical acts of urban gardening.
The mere simplicity of seed bombing can make it feel like a small and inconsequential act, but think about the very nature of what seeds represent: something small that, over time, has the potential to transform into something much greater.
The first and most obvious benefit is simply that wildflowers make cities more beautiful. Watching flowers sprout up in vacant lots and public parks can turn the most drab of concrete spaces into an urban oasis, and even improve the mental health and well-being of local community members by increasing their access to green space, as shown in numerous studies.
But perhaps the most important benefit of seed bombs is their support of bee, butterfly, and other pollinator populations. Native wildflowers help to restore pollinator habitats that have been lost to urban development, which is one of the main reasons we have seen such a radical decline in pollinator populations. Restoring these habitats is one of many ways we can support the ecosystem as a whole.
Seen bombs also have great educational opportunities to teach young students about sustainability, ecology and pollinators. Plus, the process of making them is a blast for environmentalists of all ages.
How to make a seed bomb
Seed bombs can be wildly beneficial for your local ecosystem, and the recipe for creating them is easy and cost effective. Seed bombs are typically just a simple mixture of seeds, clay, compost or soil, and water, as shown in the video below.Â
Once dried, these seed bombs can be scattered over neglected land or thrown into inaccessible areas like vacant lots, roadside verges, or construction sites. With a bit of luck and rain, the seeds germinate and create vibrant patches of greenery.
Be a responsible seeder
While seed bombing sounds like a win for everyone involved, it’s still important to be careful. Using non-native seeds has the potential to do more harm than good by disrupting local ecosystems. Seed bombers also run the risk of planting on private property without the consent of the owner, even on what appears to be an abandoned lot. Unfathomable as it sounds, not everyone welcomes plants and flowers without permission. Some seed bombers advocate for only planting on public or community-owned land for this reason.
So, if you’re interested in trying seed bombing yourself, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use Native Seeds: This is vitally important. Look up plants that naturally grow in your region to support local biodiversity, and avoid anything invasive.Â
- Think Seasonally: Plant in the spring and summer during rainy seasons for the best germination chances. If possible, try to seed just before it rains.Â
- Know the Land: If possible, research the ownership and environmental conditions of your target area to avoid getting into any sticky situations.
Even when climate change feels impossibly daunting and overwhelming, this can be one of many forms of local and fun environmental activism. In the face of rising temperatures, urban sprawl, habitat loss, and beyond, seed bombing can be one small but powerful way that you can reclaim your local outdoor spaces and reimagine a greener, brighter city.
Be curious!
- Read more about the importance of native plants from urban farmer Lindsey Bea
- Check out these resources and seed bomb recipes from The Wildlife Trusts
- Learn more about the history of radical gardening in New York City
Photo by Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash
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