Did you know that playing with dirt can benefit your mental and physical health? Gardening is known to reduce stress and anxiety in children and adults. Playing with soil can also boost your child’s immune system.
Earth Day is the perfect day to play in the dirt! In addition to the health benefits, getting your hands dirty on Earth Day is one of the best ways to feel connected to our planet.
If you are looking for inspiration, these seed bombs are a great way to get your kids playing in the dirt while also teaching them about the plant life cycle. These seed bombs can be made with any type of flower seed. They are sure to foster an appreciation for nature. Your kids will love watching for their seeds to transform into beautiful spring blooms.
Materials:
- 1 bag of powdered or prepared non-toxic clay
- Organic compost
- Jar or glass of water
- Packet of seeds (milkweed or wildflower are good choices)
- 4 bowls (one for each ingredient)
- Garden gloves (two pairs, if you will be crafting with your kid)
- Butter knife
- Toothpicks
Directions:
- Place each ingredient in its own bowl, for easy access while making the bombs.
- Put on a pair of garden gloves
- Grab an equal amount of compost and clay, and mix it together with your hands.
- Add a small amount of water to the compost and clay mixture, until the texture is soft and easy to mold.
- Once the proper consistency is reached, continue to add more clay and compost until you have enough for 12 seed bombs (about the size of 12 quarters or marbles; it’s OK to eyeball it).
- Roll the clay and compost mixture into a log-shaped mold with your hands.
- Using a butter knife, cut the log into 12 parts (or equivalent portions of the same size).
- Roll each portion into a small ball—like you would when baking cookies!
- Using a toothpick, poke a small hole into each ball and fill it with 6-7 seeds. Small seeds do not need to be pushed in very far, while larger ones, like sunflower seeds, should be pushed towards the center of the seed ball.
- After the seeds are in place, roll each seed bomb into a ball again with your hands.
- Let the bombs dry for a few hours.
- Plant them with your kids, either by digging a small hole in your family’s garden—or throw them into your yard and see where they land! With water and plenty of sunlight, your seed bombs should germinate and grow.
(Source: American Meadows)
