How to Make Seed Bombs with Kids

Looking for a fun, hands-on activity to do with your kids? Making seed bombs is a creative way to engage them in gardening while teaching them about nature and the importance of supporting pollinators. Seed bombs are not only great for planting flowers but also for creating habitats for bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making seed bombs that you can easily follow with your little ones.

What You’ll Need:

• Compost

• Powdered clay

• Seeds (Choose native plants and pollinator-friendly varieties like sunflowers, milkweed, California poppies, yarrow, and flax)

• Water

• Bowls

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture

Start by mixing 5 cups of compost with 3 cups of clay powder in a bowl.

1. Add Water

Gradually add water to the dry mixture, stirring as you go, until it reaches a clay-like consistency.

1. Shape the Mixture

Roll the mixture into a large block of clay/compost material that’s easy to cut or break into small pieces.

1. Distribute Materials

Give each child 2–3 large seeds (like sunflower or milkweed), 5–6 smaller seeds (like poppies, yarrow, or flax), and an almond-sized piece of the prepared mixture.

1. Create the Seed Bombs

Have the kids press the large seeds into the center of the mixture, forming a ball. Then, press the smaller seeds into the surface of the ball.

1. Dry the Seed Bombs

Place the finished seed bombs in a sunny spot and leave them to dry completely.

1. Plant Your Seed Bombs

When ready to plant, place the seed bombs in shallow holes in your garden or a designated patch of soil. Water them and wait for your flowers to grow!

The Joy of Watching Seeds Grow

This activity is more than just crafting seed bombs—it’s about planting the seeds of curiosity and connection to nature. Kids will love the hands-on experience of making the seed bombs and watching as their creations transform into vibrant flowers that attract pollinators. It’s also a gentle way to teach them about sustainability and the importance of native plants.

Recommended Reading for Kids

If your family loves nature-based activities, we highly recommend It Starts With a Seed, a wonderful book that follows a sycamore seed as it grows into a towering tree and a home for wildlife. It has been a favorite in our household since my kids were little, and the story never gets old. It’s a perfect companion to this activity and introduces the beauty of nature through storytelling.

Get ready to enjoy a fun, educational, and creative gardening adventure with your kids. Happy planting!