Sow your own

wildflower seed ball

• Native British wildflower seeds
• Flour or potter’s clay powder from a craft shop
• Peat-free compost
• Bowl or bucket
• Tray or box
• Water

First, plan where you’ll throw your seed ball. If it’s not going in your garden you must ask whoever owns the land. You could try putting it in a pot with compost on a windowsill or balcony if you don’t have a garden. Or ask your school. It’s really important that you use only British wildflower seeds, as these will grow best in the UK and be better for the wildlife that feeds on them.

You need to make sure that the seeds in your flower ball can all be sown at the same time of year. These flowers will bloom in summer if you sow them in May or June: field poppy, cornflower, ox-eye daisy, vipers bugloss, red clover, white clover, borage. Bees will love them!

Place a handful of mixed seeds into a large bowl or bucket. Add five handfuls of compost and three of clay or flour, then stir to mix it all together. Now add the water slowly, stirring until it’s gloopy like glue. Take a handful and gently roll it in your palm to form a golf-ball sized ball. Place the balls in a tray or box on a sunny windowsill and let them dry for 24 hours.

Ideally, seed balls should be made the day before summer rains are forecast, then you can throw them just before the rain starts! Even if it doesn’t rain, the seeds should be fine for a few days. Once you’ve chucked your seed ball and the seeds have begun to sprout, the ball will slowly break apart and the seeds will grow. Sit back and enjoy!