How to Use Recyclable Containers to Make the Perfect Flower Seed Bombs

Time to start saving those dull, grey egg cartons and fast food drink carriers, and use them to make flower seed bombs. These plain pulp cartons are perfect for making seed bombs as they are biodegradable and compostable.

Supplies that you’ll need:

• pulp containers—egg cartons, drink carriers, etc.
• flower seeds
• large bowl
• blender
• strainer
• cookie cutters (optional)

Let’s make paper seed bombs:

1. Tear the pulp carton into small pieces, place in a bowl, and cover with water. Let this sit for several hours or overnight so the pulp carton pieces absorb some of the water.
2. Pour the water and torn pieces into the blender container. If necessary, add water until the pulp pieces are covered.
3. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth slurry.
4. Pour the slurry into a strainer to drain the water. You want a consistency of very wet clay. Not so much water that it is drippy and runny, but not so dry that it doesn’t hold its shape when pressed together. Don’t worry if you drain too much water—you can always add more—a little at a time—until you get the right consistency.
5. Alternatively, if you don’t have a strainer, you can squeeze the water from the slurry using a kitchen towel (non-terry cloth, though).
6. Put the drained slurry—now pulp— back in the bowl and knead in your choice of seeds.
7. When the seeds are evenly distributed, press the pulp into cookie cutters or molds. Working on a sheet of parchment or a Teflon craft mat makes the job easier. Note: You can also form a seed bomb in your hand. Firmly squeeze a lump of the pulp so that it sticks together. This might be the easiest way for toddlers and preschoolers to make their seed bombs.
8. If you want to add a hole for ribbon or twine, use a chopstick, skewer, or art brush handle to gently form a hole while the seed bomb is still in the mold or cookie cutter.
9. Arrange the seed bombs on a rack to dry. Alternatively, you can lay them on a cookie sheet, but for the best drying results they will need to be turned over two or three times a day. Drying does take a while. Mine took about two days. The larger and thicker your seed bombs, the longer they will take to dry.
10. Share your finished seed bombs with family and neighbors. Wait for the end of winter, then enjoy planting your seed bombs.