A little guidance. A better start.
Earthwise FAQ
Choosing your seed? Getting ready to plant? Find practical answers for your lawn, clover patch, or meadow.
Choosing your seed
Start with your space and how you want to use it.
How do I choose the right seed for my yard?
Start with your location, sunlight, and how you use your yard. Then think about what matters most: less mowing, a grassy look, clover, flowers, or space for everyday activity. Use the Seed Finder to narrow your options, then review the recommended product’s growing requirements.
What if I don’t know what’s already growing in my lawn?
You can still start planning. Note where your lawn is thin, how much sun it receives, and whether you want to keep the existing grass. Send our team your ZIP code and clear photos; we can help you decide what to check before choosing seed. Talk to a Seed Expert.
Will every Earthwise seed work in my climate or shade?
Each product has its own growing requirements. Check the recommended region and sunlight conditions before buying. A shaded yard and a hot, sunny yard may need different choices; very dense shade or competition from tree roots can also limit results.
Are Earthwise seeds non-GMO and coated?
Our seeds are non-GMO and untreated, with no chemical seed coating. Check your product’s seed label for its composition and lot-specific test information. Purity and germination results should come from the seed lot you purchase, rather than an older test result.
Planting & overseeding
Give your seed a good start, from the soil up.
Can I overseed, or do I need to start with bare soil?
Overseeding adds seed to an existing lawn and can help fill thin areas. Preparing bare soil is another option for a new planting or areas being replaced. Overseeding does not guarantee that your old grass will disappear, especially if it grows aggressively. Read the overseeding guide.
Can I just spread seed over my existing lawn?
Seed needs contact with soil. Mow the existing grass lower without scalping, remove loose debris, and rake to expose the surface before spreading seed. For bare patches, loosen the surface first. Follow your product’s directions for planting depth and watering.
When should I plant?
Timing depends on your seed and local conditions. Early fall is often a good window for cool-season grass mixes such as EcoSeed; spring can also work. Warm-season grasses and wildflowers have different requirements. Find your planting guide, and check local guidance if heat or freezing weather is approaching.
How much seed do I need?
Measure the area you want to plant, then use the coverage guidance for your chosen product and planting method. Bare-soil planting and overseeding may use different rates. There is no single pounds-per-square-foot rate that works for all Earthwise seeds.
Do I need to add topsoil?
Not automatically. Start by checking drainage, compaction, and the condition of the existing soil. A soil test can help identify needed amendments. The goal is a prepared surface that allows good seed-to-soil contact; adding soil alone will not fix every planting problem.
Watering & ongoing care
Know what your planting needs as it grows.
How often should I water my planting?
Keep the seeded surface consistently moist through germination, without puddles or runoff. Check it daily; sun, wind, soil, and rainfall affect how quickly it dries. As seedlings root into the soil, gradually shift toward deeper, less frequent watering. Established plantings may still need water during extended dry periods; follow your product’s guide.
Does a low-maintenance lawn still need mowing or fertilizer?
Care depends on the mix, your soil, and the look you prefer. Slower-growing grasses can reduce mowing, and fine fescues generally need less fertilizer than higher-input turf. Follow the product’s mowing guidance and use a soil test to guide feeding. New plantings still need attentive care.
Will my new lawn prevent all weeds?
A well-established, dense lawn can help limit weeds, but no seed mix makes a lawn weed-proof. Prepare the site before planting and identify weeds before treating them. Some lawn weed-control products also affect desirable clover, flowers, or new seedlings; check compatibility before applying anything.
My planting looks thin. What should I do?
First compare its progress with your product’s germination and establishment guidance. Check soil contact, moisture, sunlight, and signs of seed washing away. Young growth needs time to fill in. Before adding more seed, send our team photos and your planting details so we can help identify the cause. Talk to a Seed Expert.
About EcoSeed
Answers specifically for our fine fescue lawn mix.
What is EcoSeed? Does it contain clover?
EcoSeed is a cool-season fine fescue grass mix containing Creeping Red, Chewings, and Sheep Fescues. It does not contain clover. It is designed for a soft, grassy lawn with reduced maintenance once established. Explore EcoSeed for the current product details.
Where does EcoSeed grow best?
EcoSeed performs best in cool to temperate conditions, with partial sun or shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Deep shade and prolonged heat can still be challenging; review your site conditions before choosing it.
How quickly does EcoSeed grow?
EcoSeed typically begins germinating in about 7–14 days under suitable conditions. Sprouting is the first stage: developing a fuller lawn and stronger roots takes longer. Temperature, moisture, soil preparation, and competition from existing plants all affect progress.
Is EcoSeed a good choice for a busy dog yard?
EcoSeed is better suited to lower-traffic areas. Repeated running, digging, or concentrated use can wear down a planting, especially while it is young or stressed by heat. For a busy pet area, use the Seed Finder or ask our team about a more suitable option.
Orders & growing support
A little information helps us help you faster.
What should I send if I need help with my seed?
Email hello@earthwiseseed.com with your product name, ZIP code, planting date, preparation steps, and watering routine. Include clear photos of the full area and close-ups of the soil and growth. Add your order number if you have one.
What does the Successful Seed Guarantee cover?
If you encounter a seed problem within one year of delivery, contact us for help. Depending on the issue and eligibility, support may include a one-time replacement of the same seed or store credit. Read the full guarantee for requirements, exclusions, and the photos to provide.
How can I get help with an order?
Email hello@earthwiseseed.com with your order number and question, or call 1-833-476-7333. Our Seed Experts are available Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM Eastern. Please contact us before mailing a return.