A mix of dry terracotta clay, compost, water and seeds, they can be flung into derelict city sites or into your own fields, meadows, garden beds or bare patches. I recommend natives, as far as seeds go—because our world needs more natives, and they will withstand the Virginia sites in which they are introduced, whether parched, bald sun, compacted clay, etc. Consider black-eyed Susan varieties, purple coneflower, threadleaf coreopsis, oxeye sunflower and bee balm. Also remember, “Native plants provide familiar sources of food and shelter for wildlife,” according to the Virginia Native Plant Society website. Who doesn’t want to attract birds, bees, hummingbirds, butterflies?

Now, I need to tell you that I tried making bombs with wet terracotta clay (bought from the art supply shop) and met with little success. The lack of air and space in wet clay impeded germination. Stick to the dry, loose terracotta clay, and give your seeds some room to breathe and become what they are meant to become. I have acquaintances who were clever enough to dig up some of our swear-word inducing red clay and turn it into loose clay with some sifting and drying. Tedious, yes. But thrifty nonetheless.

As you dream about spring, have a seed bomb-making party and send friends away with something that holds a lot of power in a diminutive little orb. The seed bomb. Dig it. Chuck it.