We (try to) do our part to love our planet every day, but when Earth Day comes around, we like to celebrate this amazing place even more! With her “more the merrier” mentality, my daughter likes to include others in the celebration too. One creative (and eco-friendly) way we get to do this is by making flower seed bombs! They make fun gifts that are DA’ BOMB, just like this planet, and we give them out to friends, fellow students and teacher parents, sports teammates, neighbors, and even strangers around town.
Whether you plan to gift or keep to plant at home, these little balls of beauty help spread wildflowers, support pollinators like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, and add color to dull spaces. Plus, they’re super hands-on and a little messy, which makes them fun to make!
I’ve made seed bombs for multiple occasions, but for Earth Day we make them a little more special by using blue, green, brown, and white construction paper to make them look like the Earth. In a few simple steps you can create your own Earth-inspired, giftable, seed bombs (with a fun FREEBIE gift tag) and help make the world a prettier place! What’s even better is your kids can give them out beyond earth day, throughout the spring season… just to brighten someone’s day!
This post may contain Amazon, or other, affiliate links for products that I personally use and recommend for kids and homeschool learning. This means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, and if you do, we thank you so much! For more information, please read the full Disclaimer and Disclosure.
What You’ll Need:
- Disposable tablecloth, newspaper, brown paper bags, or large sheet of butcher paper (for easy workspace clean up)
- Blue, green, brown, and white construction paper
- 4 bowls
- Water
- Wildflower seeds (native to your region for best results!)- you can find small packets at your local nursery but Amazon also sells these packs of drought tolerant wildflower seeds and these are great seeds for hummingbirds and butterflies
- A strainer or mesh screen (for draining paper)
- A baking sheet or tray
- Parchment Paper
- Disposable Gloves
- A spoon
- If you will be making the seed bombs as gifts:
- Cellophane gift bags or plastic sandwich bags (you can also use Ziplock style bags and cut the zipper part off)
- Ribbon or Twist Ties (these cellophane bags come with twist ties)
- FREE Printable Gift Tags w/ instructions – link below to get them from my TpT store
How to Make Earth Day Seed Bombs:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
This project can get a little bit messy and the dye from the paper will transfer onto hands and surfaces so prepare your workspace by laying out butcher paper, brown paper bags, newspaper, parchment paper, or a disposable tablecloth. You don’t need to wear disposable gloves until step 4, but have them ready if you plan to wear them.
Also, line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Tear or cut the Paper
Rip (or cut) the blue, green, and white construction paper into small pieces. The smaller the better. It’s helpful to cut the paper into skinny strips and then cut those strips down to smaller pieces. However, tearing paper is a great self-regulation and motor skill activity for kids!
Step 3: Soak the Paper
Fill the bowls halfway with water. Carefully place the paper pieces into the bowls (each color in a separate bowl). Give it a light stir. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so, until they are softened – the softer they are the easier to work with.
NOTE: You can also mix all colors into one large bowl.
Step 4: Strain the Paper (Optional: WEAR GLOVES FOR THIS STEP)
Use a strainer or mesh screen to drain the bowls of water and paper. Press down and squeeze the paper to remove excess water. You should end up with a thick, pulpy-like mixture. You want the mixture damp but not dripping wet.
Dry the bowls then transfer each color mixture back into the bowls.
Step 5: Add the Seeds
Gently mix in some wildflower seeds to each bowl. Be careful not to crush them!
Step 6: Shape Your Seed Bombs
Scoop small amounts of each color mixture into your hand and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. You can also shape them into slightly flattened discs if you prefer.
Step 7: Dry the Seed Bombs
Place the formed seed bombs on the lined baking sheet and let them air dry for at least 24 hours. They might need to dry up to 48 hours depending on the temperature in your home/area.
Once fully dry, your seed bombs are ready to plant! Jump to directions for planting.
Step 8 (for gifting): Package the Seed Bombs
Carefully place each seed bomb in a cellophane bag. Attach the gift tag to the ribbon or twist tie, then tie the bag closed.
Your Earth Day Seed bombs are ready for gifting!
How to Plant & Care for Your Seed Bombs:
Choose a spot: Look for a sunny, open area with bare soil or throw some dirt in a pot and put it in a sunny space.
Toss or bury: Simply toss the seed bomb onto the soil or press it lightly into the ground. Cover with a light layer of soil.
Water: Give your seed bomb a light watering to help it settle in.
Let nature do its work: The seed bomb will break down naturally, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow. In a few weeks, you’ll see sprouts and soon after, colorful wildflowers! And you will have taken part to make the earth a healthier, more beautiful place!
Hope your Earth Day is DA’ BOMB!
Here are a few more of our favorite ways to celebrate Earth Day >>> Earth Day Activities for Kids that Help the Planet