SEED BALLS

Seed balls are small compact spheres made by combining seeds, clay , compost or other organic materials. They are designed to be dispersed in areas where direct sowing might be difficult or ineffective such as barren lands, deforested areas or urban spaces. The clay and compost coating protects the seeds and helps them germinate even in challenging conditions.

The concept of seed balls dates back centuries and was used by ancient cultures like the Chinese and Native Americans to replant barren or degraded land. Today, this method is gaining popularity as a low-cost, low-maintenance and effective solution for reforestation, urban greening and ecosystem restoration projects.

How Seed Balls Work?

1.Protection for Seeds: The clay coating acts as a natural barrier, shielding the seeds from birds, insects and the environment (such as wind and sun) until the right conditions for germination occur. The compost inside the seed ball provides nutrients for the seed once it begins to grow.

2.Easy Dispersal: Seed balls are easy to throw or distribute across large areas especially in hard-to-reach locations such as forests, roadsides or degraded land. This makes them a simple cost-effective method for planting seeds in vast areas that would be challenging to manage with traditional planting methods.

3.Water Retention: The clay helps retain moisture around the seed ensuring that it stays hydrated during dry spells. This increases the chances of the seed sprouting and surviving until it becomes established.

4.Natural Fertilization: The compost or organic matter inside the seed ball provides the necessary nutrients to help the seed grow once it germinates.