Firstly, what is a seed mat? It is a bio-degradable material impregnated with seeds. The advantages of using a seed mat are that the seeds do not need thinning out and for those who have difficulty in handling small items like seeds, the seed mat offers a solution.
How to Make a Seed Mat
The easiest and simplest way is to make a paper seed mat. Tear up pieces of old paper and soak them in a bowl of water, preferably overnight. Any type of paper will do, whether spoilt computer paper, kitchen towel, or notepaper.
Tear the pieces into about one inch square. If a coloured seed mat is required, use a small piece of coloured paper, about the size of half an envelope. Tear this up also and add to the paper mix.
When well soaked, put the paper and some of the water into a liquidiser/blender. Just how much water is needed will depend on how much softened paper is used. To start, half fill the liquidiser/blender with soaked paper and top up with water to about an inch from the top of the liquidiser/blender. Liquefy on short bursts adding more water as necessary until the mixture has the consistency of runny oatmeal.
Add more coloured paper if the overall colour is not deep enough, or more white paper if the colour is too deep.
Note if using newspaper the mixture will turn a grey colour because of the print.
Next a deckle is needed. These can be purchased from craft stores, but for the purpose of making seed mats they are easy to make for free. Take an empty margarine container and pierce the lid with lots of small holes. The lid of the container is going to take the paper mixture, and the excess water is going to pass through the holes into the container.
Once the deckle is ready, start to spoon the mixture onto the top of the margarine container and gently press it to express the excess water. At this stage leave the mixture still quite moist.
Any Type of Seed can be Used
Next take the seeds. These can be wildflower seeds or from your favourite flower. Sprinkle the seeds over the mixture, put a thin layer of mixture over the seeds, and press firmly to expel as much water as possible.
Next, gently tip the seed mat onto a cloth such as a teacloth and press into desired shape. Let the cloth absorb as much moisture as possible, and then place the seed mat onto a wire tray to completely dry.
Making the Packet for the Seed Mat
This can be as much fun as making the seed mat. Design and create a colourful and bright packet perhaps using a picture of the chosen flower or draw and colour a personal design.
Personalised Gifts
The good thing about this project is the packets can be personalised for gifts for friends and family and make ideal birthday and Christmas gifts, completely free. The flowers will self-seed and so can be enjoyed year after year.
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