MAKING SEED BALLS
Supplies Needed
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5 parts (10 cups) Dry Red Art Clay
3 parts (6 cups) Dry Compost with Fungi and Soil Microbes sifted through ¼ inch mesh screen
¼ part (1/2 cup) Seed mix
Plastic gloves
Plastic dishpan or similar shallow mixing container
Hand garden trowel for mixing
Measuring Cup to measure 3 Cups of water (approximately)
Protective cover for work surface-Plastic sheet or newspaper
2 raised edge trays similar to jellyroll pans or shallow cardboard boxes for drying seed balls
Container of water for hand washing
Paper towels
Directions
Step 1:
 Carefully place clay, compost, and seed mix into the mixing container; avoid dust dispersal.
 Carefully stir dry mixture to coat seeds with clay and compost.
 Add water, one cup at a time, using trowel and gloved hands to incorporate the water into
the dry mixture until it holds together.
 It is best to keep mixture on the dry side; avoid sloppy wet.
Native Plant Society of Texas
Marilyn Perz 2/12/16
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When ingredients are thoroughly combined, divide the mixture into four portions for easier working.
Step 2:
 Each of the portions can now be further divided and then rolled into a log form.
 An adult volunteer can pinch off small wads for children to roll into balls. Seed balls should come out
about the size of a dime. Experiment to properly judge the size of the chunks to achieve this.
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If necessary, show the children how to roll the clay mix into a ball of the approximate size desired.
Place balls on trays to dry for 2-3 days.
Step 3:
 Adult volunteer can store these trays in a dry environment
Native Plant Society of Texas
Marilyn Perz 2/12/16
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Finished dry balls can then be packed in the cardboard box separated by layers of
Newspaper. Seed balls can be placed in parks or other public or private places decided by
the organizers.
Each batch should make 330-350 balls.
Seed Source: Native American Seed http://www.seedsource.com
Clay Source: Armadillo Clay, 3307 E 4th Street Austin, TX. 512-385-7311
Native Plant Society of Texas
Marilyn Perz 2/12/16