How can you grow beauty where you see fit?
This Lesson Plan is part the Gardening Module of SustainEd Farms' virtual programming.
Learning Objectives: Making Seed Bombs
Students will be able to…
Create a seed bomb.
Identify viable places to inject beauty!
Academic Vocabulary
clay /kley/ noun. - a fine, firm type of sediment in soil that has high plasticity when wet and crumbles when dry
Directions
1. Gather materials to make a seed bomb. In relatively equal parts, you will need a random or selected assortment of seeds, potting soil, clay, and water, along with a mixing bowl, a mixing utensil (or your hands!), and a cooking tray with parchment paper or a clear spot on dry concrete outside. With a half cup of each ingredient, you should be able to make approximately 15-25 seed bombs.
💭Stop and think… about what seeds you select and why:
When making a seed bomb, consider using the seeds that weren’t used during the growing season and ones you wouldn’t want to go to waste; that said, when using such a wide assortment of seeds, you are taking a risk because it is likely that many of the plants will need different conditions to grow.
If you opt to use specific seeds in your mix, consider the current growing conditions outside (time of year, amount of precipitation expected, time to/from first/last frost, sunlight conditions, etc.) to make your selection really count!
2. Watch the following Youtube video to guide you through the seed bomb creation process. You may follow the directions below for your reference.
3. Pour all dry ingredients into the mixing bowl, and begin stirring your mixture with your hands or mixing utensil. Add water to the mixture slowly. Too much water will not allow the seed bombs to form, while too little water will inhibit your mixing.
4. After you have mixed all of the ingredients together, begin forming small “cookie-sized” pellets with the mixture using your hands or mixing utensils. Space the seed bombs out on the concrete or parchment paper to dry, and allow the seed bombs to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
5. Identify a place near your home where you can toss or plant your seed bomb. This may be an abandoned field, somewhere in your backyard, or even your own garden. Any location with good soil that may be lacking life and vitality is a good consideration. You should not choose a location in which your plant bomb would be considered invasive to the ecosystem or to anyone’s property.
6. Toss your seed bomb, plant it, or crush it and disperse the contents, and watch beauty bloom!
Early Childhood Connections & Modifications
Key Focus Areas:
Sensory Learning: Students will be able to describe and record materials using all senses.
Fine Motor Skills: Students will develop their fine motor skills through the pouring of ingredients and molding of the seed bombs.
Science/Math: Students will measure out the quantities of materials and compare their different physical attributes.
Modifications & Extensions:
Sensory Cups: Create mystery cups by taking cups and attaching a piece of cloth to one side so it is able to be draped over the top. Children should be able to fit their hand in the cup without initially seeing the material. Have children describe what they feel and guess what is in the mystery cup. Reveal the contents and have students describe what each material looks like and smells like.
Measuring: Using colorful bowls, large wooden spoons, and measuring cups during this activity will help children with fine motor skills and learn the science of measurement.
Discovery Station: After seed bombs are made students can plant one in a cup with additional soil. We recommend poking a hole in the bottom of the cup for drainage. Students can mist their cup daily with a small squirt bottle. Students can record observed growth.
Additional Resources:
Download the PDF version of this lesson plan:
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