Seed Bombs Away! (The Guerrilla Gardener's Arsenal)

by kathyswank on 4 March 2009

Guerrilla Gardening (sigh)... Over the past week, the thrill of the idea has thoroughly captivated me. Waiting until nightfall to embark on fellonious hoticultural escapades. Illegally transforming neglected public space into lush gardens. Illicitly tending your plants by moonlight. Terrorizing the populace with the sights and scents of beautiful things...

How exciting! I think it would suit me just fine - I am a rebel after all! I defy authority at every turn! I'm my own woman! I...

Well maybe I'm just a self-described rebel...

Maybe I...

Ok! So maybe I'm not ready for full-fledged guerrilla gardening. The sight of one benign passerby and I'd likely bolt into the night. Nevertheless, come Spring I must attempt a little guerrilla activity of my own. I think I'll begin by amassing a stockpile of seed bombs.

Seed bombs are nothing more than seeds planted within balls of compacted earth. The 'bombs' are tossed onto neglected plots and, as they gradually fall victim to the elements, the seeds within spring to life - adding beauty where once was none.

From what I've seen, the 'bombs' are quite simple to make. Just combine one part indigenous wildflower seeds with one part compost and five parts red clay. Add enough water to hold the mixture together, then form into tiny balls (approximately 1 inch in diameter). When you're through, rest your freshly molded 'bombs' on a sunsoaked windowsill. They will harden in about one day - at which point you may 'bomb' any shabby, unkempt, or derrelict plot you desire.

The video below inspired me... I hope it will do the same for you.

Hmmph... the video appears only to work on YouTube. It seems you'll have to watch it there. Sorry :(

You can find oodles more information at guerrillagardening.org. The site has everything from tips for organizing your own guerrilla activity to listings of guerrilla groups around the world.

So go forth and cultivate! Beautiful anarchy rests in your hands!