Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Earth Turf grow?
Earth Turf grows very well throughout the middle and northern United States.  It will also grow successfully in more southern areas like Southern California, Texas, and Florida too - but will need some irrigation in the hotter/drier part of the year.

When should I plant Earth Turf?
Earth Turf will establish best when soil temperatures get above 50 degrees. So Fall or Spring - August in the northern US and until September in southern regions. Mild climates like the San Francisco can be planted year round. If planting during hot summer months, be sure to keep the soil moist during germination - this may require watering twice per day for the first two weeks.

How long does shipping take?
Orders typically ship in 1 business day. Standard ground shipping time is 2-5 business days. Expedited is 2 business day shipping. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii take an additional 2-3 days on average and PO Boxes cannot be shipped expedited. We are in the process of moving our shipping exclusively from our warehouse in Portland to having distributed warehouses in the USA to get the seed closer/faster to you, so you will probably see it ship from somewhere other than Portland. 

Should I fertilize with synthetic fertilizer?
No, that's the MicroClover’s job! Applying the synthetic fertilizer will actually do more harm than good as it makes the grass out compete the MicroClover and can cause the MicroClover to release less natural nitrogen. Applying some slow acting organic fertilizer (manure, guano, blood meal, etc.) can be applied once or twice per year.

Weeds have sprouted up in my new lawn, where did they come from?
It is rare to have a piece of land without any foreign seeds. Weed seeds can be blown in by the wind, dropped by birds, and most often they were already in the top soil. For a new lawn just coming in, pick them out by hand if desired. Do not spray a weed killer because it will probably kill the MicroClover too. Earth Turf is tested and certified 0.00% weed free.

Do you ship to Canada?
Not currently, it's a pain to get seed through Canadian customs. We are working on it though.

Should I remove grass clippings or leave them for mulch?
Its up to personal preference. The grass clippings will leave good nutrients as they decompose, but some people find it unsightly.

How high should I mow Earth Turf?
That is up to personal preference. Earth Turf can be mowed anywhere from a low 1" up to 6". Unmowed, there are many variables affecting it, but EarthTurf will generally range anywhere between 4"-12" depending on the season, climate, rainfall, and soil. If the turf grasses go to seed, those stalks can get to around 16" tall. In drought, the established turf grasses will go dormant. 

How much water does Earth Turf need?
In climates that receive over 35 inches of rain per year – like Portland, Minneapolis, and Boston – Earth Turf does not need extra water. Drier climates that get under 35 inches of rain – like San Francisco, Denver, and the midwest, may need a few good soakings around the summer months. In the height of summer, the grasses in Earth Turf will tend to go dormant and brown while the MicroClover continues to stay green – so it looks much greener than surrounding lawns.

Will Earth Turf grow where I couldn’t get a lawn to grow before?
Probably not. If the soil had poor drainage or other problems that prevented turf to grow before, Earth Turf will not help. If it's a poor drainage or compaction issue, aerating the area and/or adding new topsoil may help.

Why is the MicroClover dominating the grasses?
MicroClover dominates only when conditions exist that are unfavorable for grass growth, such as compaction and poor soil aeration. Go over the area with a core aerator and, optionally, backfill the aeration holes with sand.

My clover is looks large/tall?
Give it an occasional mow. To keep the microclover low growing and small as possible, you can train it by mowing and it will grow lower and the clover leaves will be smaller.

Why didn’t Earth Turf establish everywhere when overseeded?
The Earth Turf is competing with established grasses, so occasionally it doesn’t establish everywhere. Ensure that you removed enough thatch so you see mostly dirt when standing over it. Rake those areas up and overseed. Water for the first two weeks to ensure good germination.

Is Earth Turf genetically modified?
No. Nothing in Earth Turf is genetically modified.

Do Earth Turf mixes change?
Yes, but not often. When we find an improved cultivar of seed (more drought tolerant, lower growing, hardier, better looking), we add it or replace a seed component after testing. Our goal is to make Earth Turf the best low maintenance organic lawn, so we work to constantly improve it.

Is Earth Turf inoculated?
Yep, our clover is inoculated with best strains of Rhizobium bacteria so the nitrogen fixing root nodules can develop as fast as possible, even if it is not already present in your soil.

Does Earth Turf work in clay soils?
Yes, Earth Turf will establish in clay soils. But be sure to keep it moist during the germination period because clay soils have a tendency to dry out quickly.

Will Earth Turf work in sandy soils?
Earth Turf will work in high sand content soils. If it is all sand soil, like near the beach, we recommend spreading a few inches of top soil first.

Can I store Earth Turf seed for the following year?
Yes, just be sure to keep it sealed from moisture. It will last many years.

Is it possible to remove the MicroClover from the lawn if I don’t like it?
Yes. It can be sprayed out easily with any clover specific or broadleaf lawn weed killer.

Can I sell Earth Turf in my store?
Yes. Please email us.

I'd like to write or do a story on Earth Turf?
Sweet. Please email us.

Products

  • Earth Turf
    Earth Turf

    The best eco-friendly lawn mix for new lawns. EarthTurf combines a variety of the best performing low-maintenance...

  • Earth Turf Overseed
    Earth Turf Overseed

      Transforms your existing lawn to a self fertilizing and eco-friendly Earth Turf lawn. Earth Turf...

  • Earth Turf Shade
    Earth Turf Shade

    Special shade tolerant turfgrasses and revolutionary MicroClover make this the perfect mix for sustainable shady areas....

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