Welcome to The Environmentalist, your column for understanding the natural world. Spring is here and today we are going to talk about seed shakers and seed bombs.
Restoring habitats does not always require heavy equipment or large-scale projects. Sometimes, it can begin with something as simple as a jar of seeds or a handful of clay and compost. Seed shakers and seed bombs are small, accessible tools that can help reintroduce native plants into the landscape, especially in places like the Fraser Valley — supporting local biodiversity matters. While both are easy to make and use, their success depends on choosing the right native species and avoiding generic seed mixes that may contain invasive plants.
To create a seed shaker, native seeds are mixed in a container, such as a spice jar, with dry sand and shaken gently over prepared soil. The sand helps prevent tiny seeds from clumping together, giving them a better chance to spread out and grow. Seed bombs take a little more effort but are still straightforward: combine about one cup of seeds with five cups of peat-free compost and two to three cups of clay powder, then add enough water for the mixture to hold together. Roll the mixture into small balls and leave them to dry.
Most of the materials can be found at craft stores or garden centres, but the most important ingredient is the seed itself. In the Fraser Valley, local native seeds and plants are the best choice because they are adapted to the region and more likely to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The Fraser Valley Conservancy is one useful local source for info on appropriate native plants and seeds, and it is important not to remove plants directly from the wild.
Choosing what to plant depends on the site. In sunny, open spaces, native species such as Douglas’ aster, nodding onion and coastal strawberry are good options. Shadier or moister areas are better for plants like fringecup, Pacific bleeding heart, and false lily of the valley.
Tree species depend even more on location: Douglas-fir does well in drier sites, while western red cedar, western hemlock, and bigleaf maple prefer areas with more reliable moisture. In general, seed shakers and seed bombs are best suited for herbaceous plants and wildflowers, while shrubs and trees usually establish more successfully when planted as young, locally grown plants rather than from seed alone.
To give these plants the best chance of survival, the site matters just as much as the seed. The goal should be to match the plant to the conditions of the place by considering sunlight, shade, soil, moisture, and existing vegetation. Bare or lightly raked soil works best, and weeds should be removed before planting. Fall and early spring are ideal times to sow because seasonal rainfall helps roots establish. Make sure to water during dry periods, control weeds, and be patient after planting.
In the end, rewilding is not just about tossing seeds into the landscape. It is about giving native plants the best possible chance to grow, thrive, and restore ecological balance. As the Lorax once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” So, let’s care.
