How to Make Seed Balls for a Pollinator Garden

Quick answer

To make seed balls for a pollinator garden, mix wildflower seeds with clay powder and compost, add water, roll into balls, and let them dry before scattering.

Step-by-step guide

1. 1. Gather materials: You will need a mixing bowl, water, and the three pouches from the seed ball kit: bee & butterfly friendly wildflower seeds, clay powder, and peat-free compost. If you don't have a kit, use a ratio of 2 parts clay, 1 part compost, and 1 part seeds. Make sure your bowl is large enough to mix comfortably without spilling.
2. 2. Mix dry ingredients: Empty the clay powder and compost into the bowl. Add the seeds and stir everything together with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined. The mixture should look speckled with seeds throughout. Common mistake: mixing too vigorously can crush the seeds. Stir gently.
3. 3. Add water slowly: Sprinkle water into the dry mix a little at a time while stirring. Stop when the mixture holds together when squeezed. It should feel like damp sand, not mud. Too much water makes the balls sticky and hard to roll. If it gets too wet, add more dry clay or compost to balance it.
4. 4. Roll into balls: Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll them between your palms into balls about the size of a marble. Aim for consistent size so they dry evenly. Place each ball on a tray or baking sheet as you go. Wash hands between batches if the clay feels sticky on your skin.
5. 5. Dry the seed balls: Let the balls dry at room temperature for 24-48 hours. Do not put them in direct sunlight or an oven, as heat can kill the seeds. Once hard and dry, they are ready to use. Store extras in a paper bag in a cool, dark place until you're ready to scatter.
6. 6. Scatter in your garden: Toss the seed balls onto bare soil in a sunny spot of your pollinator garden. No digging is needed. Rain will soften the clay, and the seeds will germinate naturally over the coming weeks. Check the weather forecast: scatter before a mild rainy spell for best results.

Product facts

• Make Your Own Seed Balls Kit: Each kit includes three plastic-free pouches of raw materials (wildflower seeds, clay powder, and peat-free compost) that make 40-60 seed balls. The kit removes the guesswork of sourcing individual ingredients and ensures the seed mix is tailored for bees and butterflies.