On a brisk, sparkling, Sunday morning they gathered at Huerto Cafe.
Our idea was to make Seed Bombs or Seed balls, also known as "earth balls" or nendo dango (Japanese: 粘土 団子?), consisting of a variety of different seeds rolled within a ball of clay, preferably volcanic pyroclastic red clay. Into this medium various additives were be included, such as humus or organic compost. These are placed around the seeds, at the center of the ball, to provide microbial inoculants. Cotton-fibres or liquefied paper are sometimes mixed into the clay in order to strengthen it, or liquefied paper mash coated on the outside to further protect the clay ball during sowing by throwing, or in particularly harsh habitats.
Our clay came from our local merchant, Faustino in Chapala.
Faustino mixed the clay into just the right consistency for our use.
Each member of our Gathering Group choose their materials: seeds, compost, humus, coconut fibers, and placed these lovingly and with intent into each of their seed balls.
Depending on the season during which the balls were to be used,
the appropriate ingredients were chosen.
Getting our hands dirty was part of the fun.
And experimentation was key. We want to distribute the seed balls into different terrains and conditions, to see how they fare.
Steve and Enaj collaborate on ingredients.
Lois chose avocado seeds to include in her seed ball production.
Members brought rain water, organic compost, a variety of flower and vegetable seeds to share.
Even Rocio, the owner of Huerto Cafe tried her hand at seed ball making.
We'd like to thank Rocio Meillon, owner of Huerto Cafe for opening up her wonderful restaurant to our Gathering Group on a Sunday morning.
May your seeds go far, root strong and thrive.
The Gathering Group
Steve, Darlene, Kalina, Enaj, Fco. Lois
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