DIY idea for the garden: Make your own seed bombs

These plant-based projectiles are essentially small balls of clay with various types of flower or herb seeds inside. Patrick Pleul/dpa

Seed bombs were originally developed by guerrilla gardeners to transform bare public spaces, such as traffic islands, into little oases of greenery and colour.

However, the small balls of seeds, potting soil and clay can also be used to make your own garden bloom, and they're easy to make yourself.

The best way to do this is to use seeds from native plants. The DIY Academy in the German city of Cologne recommends chamomile, lavender or poppy seeds. However, you can also use ready-made mixtures with wildflower seeds if you prefer.

To make them at home, in addition to your chosen seeds you will need some peat-free potting soil, clay and water, a bowl, a sieve and possibly some gardening gloves.

Place the potting soil in a bowl - if it is too coarse, use the sieve. Add the clay and seeds and mix everything well. Gradually add water to make a dough, but be careful not to use too much because the mixture should be able to be formed into balls - ideally the size of a walnut.

You will now have to be a little patient, because the balls need to be allowed to dry for a few days. To do this, place the seed bombs on a cloth or in an empty egg carton.

You can then distribute the small balls around your garden, preferably in sunny, open areas. You can also put them in pots to grow indoors, but here you will have to make sure you water them regularly. Outside, the rain will take care of this.

Once formed, seed bombs can be kept for up to two years if they are stored in a dry and cool place.

Veritable explosions of colour are guaranteed if you throw seed bombs into green spaces around your home. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa
It is best to use seeds from native plants for your seed bombs. Christin Klose/dpa

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