Early Fall is planting time!
Our prices are the lowest + Eco-Grass ships free! (within the contiguous United States).
RECOMMENDED SEEDING RATE: 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. | 220 lbs. per acre
A versatile blend of fine-leaved fescue grasses that is the responsible alternative to an energy-intensive conventional turf lawn. Eco-Grass, also called Eco Lawn or No Mow, is an excellent choice for solid border areas or footpaths adjacent to native plantings. This grass mix of native and non-native cultivar fescues establishes quickly, growing into a flowing carpet that can go unmowed or be mowed to a recommended 3” height occasionally or frequently, depending on rainfall, application and intended use. Ecograss grows in most soil types and sun conditions but is not suitable for wet soil or full shade.
Eco-Grass yields big savings as a lawn alternative by eliminating or reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers and frequent watering or mowing. These slow growing, deep rooted fescues establish even in low-nutrient soils. The reduced need for summer watering makes Eco-grass less attractive than irrigated lawns for pests like lawn grubs, the problematic larvae that feed on turfgrass roots.
A cool-season grass blend, Eco-Grass is best planted spring or early fall, on a prepared site from which all weeds or competing species, and the weed seed bank in the soil, have been removed prior to planting. Spring plantings have the advantage of early-season soil moisture, while early Fall plantings have the advantage of moderate temperatures and fewer competing weeds. Seeds can be hand broadcast or distributed with a grass-seed spreader and should be lightly raked in and then watered for the first month or two, if needed. Depending upon conditions, germination can be expected in one to two weeks. Its cool-season nature shows in its bright green luster in late fall, followed by browning in dormancy and an early spring green up.
Eco-Grass does not need to overwinter to break germination inhibitors. Seeds sown in late fall or winter will lie dormant until spring. Even sandy soils can suit it but frequent watering may be necessary on very dry sites or in dry seasons until the plants are established. Once it fills in, Eco-Grass is a low-maintenance, attractive choice for many specific landscaping needs for home and garden. However, Eco-Grass would not be a good choice if you are wanting to establish a Bee Lawn. The rhizomatous nature of the creeping fescues in Eco-Grass would prevent small wildflowers to establish; there is also some research that the fesuces in Eco-Grass can be alleopathic meaning they can inhibit germination of surrounding seed.
Customer praise for Eco-Grass: "Thank you Prairie Moon for the Eco Grass. We planted Eco Grass last fall and are impressed with its quick growth and ability to fill in. It was planted in a low, uneven area behind our native planting and vegetable garden (see photos, left). During heavy rains this area would fill with water and was slow to drain. The Eco Grass absorbs the excess water therefore solving the problem of standing water. It looks great, is an excellent backdrop to the prairie and garden, and needs no maintenance." - Al K., Powell, OH
"Our Eco-Grass lawn fits perfectly with our desire to welcome wildlife and eliminate pollution from noise, gas and chemicals. And after 15 years it remains lush and beautiful and requires almost no maintenance." - Joanna Eckles, Stillwater, MN
RECOMMENDED SEEDING RATE: 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. - 220 lbs. per acre
*NOTE: we sell PURE SEED, not coated seed, giving you 36% more seed per pound compared to some other fine fescue blends on the market.
RECOMMENDED SEEDING RATE: 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. | 220 lbs. per acre
A versatile blend of fine-leaved fescue grasses that is the responsible alternative to an energy-intensive conventional turf lawn. Eco-Grass, also called Eco Lawn or No Mow, is an excellent choice for solid border areas or footpaths adjacent to native plantings. This grass mix of native and non-native cultivar fescues establishes quickly, growing into a flowing carpet that can go unmowed or be mowed to a recommended 3” height occasionally or frequently, depending on rainfall, application and intended use. Ecograss grows in most soil types and sun conditions but is not suitable for wet soil or full shade.
When Eco-Grass reaches about 8” it begins to form seed heads and tends to flop over, which can add an attractive naturalistic flow to your landscape. Once established, it is durable under moderate foot traffic. It resists invasion by filling in well, but will not encroach on neighboring plantings.
Eco-Grass yields big savings as a lawn alternative by eliminating or reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers and frequent watering or mowing. These slow growing, deep rooted fescues establish even in low-nutrient soils. The reduced need for summer watering makes Eco-grass less attractive than irrigated lawns for pests like lawn grubs, the problematic larvae that feed on turfgrass roots.
A cool-season grass blend, Eco-Grass is best planted spring or early fall, on a prepared site from which all weeds or competing species, and the weed seed bank in the soil, have been removed prior to planting. Spring plantings have the advantage of early-season soil moisture, while early Fall plantings have the advantage of moderate temperatures and fewer competing weeds. Seeds can be hand broadcast or distributed with a grass-seed spreader and should be lightly raked in and then watered for the first month or two, if needed. Depending upon conditions, germination can be expected in one to two weeks. Its cool-season nature shows in its bright green luster in late fall, followed by browning in dormancy and an early spring green up.
Eco-Grass does not need to overwinter to break germination inhibitors. Seeds sown in late fall or winter will lie dormant until spring. Even sandy soils can suit it but frequent watering may be necessary on very dry sites or in dry seasons until the plants are established. Once it fills in, Eco-Grass is a low-maintenance, attractive choice for many specific landscaping needs for home and garden. However, Eco-Grass would not be a good choice if you are wanting to establish a Bee Lawn. The rhizomatous nature of the creeping fescues in Eco-Grass would prevent small wildflowers to establish; there is also some research that the fesuces in Eco-Grass can be alleopathic meaning they can inhibit germination of surrounding seed.
Customer praise for Eco-Grass: "Thank you Prairie Moon for the Eco Grass. We planted Eco Grass last fall and are impressed with its quick growth and ability to fill in. It was planted in a low, uneven area behind our native planting and vegetable garden (see photos, left). During heavy rains this area would fill with water and was slow to drain. The Eco Grass absorbs the excess water therefore solving the problem of standing water. It looks great, is an excellent backdrop to the prairie and garden, and needs no maintenance." - Al K., Powell, OH
"Our Eco-Grass lawn fits perfectly with our desire to welcome wildlife and eliminate pollution from noise, gas and chemicals. And after 15 years it remains lush and beautiful and requires almost no maintenance." - Joanna Eckles, Stillwater, MN
RECOMMENDED SEEDING RATE: 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. - 220 lbs. per acre
*NOTE: we sell PURE SEED, not coated seed, giving you 36% more seed per pound compared to some other fine fescue blends on the market.
*Eco-Grass ships free and therefore is not part of the free shipping over $100 seed order promotion.
27 Questions asked on Eco-Grass - per lb
Q
Tia
April 6
How does this ecograss hold up to heavy dog traffic, poop, and urination? I have 2 large dogs that have decimated the one patch of lawn I need for their "business." And if the ecograss can be used in this space, what additional type of preparation needs to be done? Should the dogs be kept off for a specific amount of time after seed is spread? I need something that won't die as easily and prevent the big muddy mess we are currently dealing with.
A
Prairie Moon
April 7
Hi Tia,
Unfortunately, not many natural turf grasses can withstand the high nitrogen and/or acidity of dog urine. If your dog makes those brown spots in your current lawn, it will likely make them in Ecograss as well. One solution is to water the area heavily to dilute the urine. Most of the time, overseeding these spots becomes a burden.
EcoGrass does not hold up to heavy foot traffic well. If pets or people walk or run the same area every day, a wear and tear will be noticeable with trampled grass and eventually bare spots.
Q
Alex
April 12
What's the best way to create a "prepared site" for planting? I have a quarter acre and am hesitant to use an herbicide.
A
Prairie Moon
April 13
Hi Alex. Preparing a 1/4 acre for seeding could be difficult IF you have a heavy weed problem AND you don't want to use herbicides. Alternate methods would be smothering with tarps for 1+ year, sod removal, or repeated, shallow tilling. Search "site prep" on our website to read a blog on methods for preparing a site for a prairie seeding. You can follow this advice for Eco-Grass as well.
Q
Susanne
April 26
I want to sow a nurse crop with my eco-grass. What do you recommend and at what rate should I sow it?
A
Prairie Moon
April 27
Hi Susanne,
Unless you have a steep slope, adding in a nurse crop is not typically needed or recommended. If you need to add a nurse crop in, we recommend using ½ lb. of Rye for every lb. of Eco-Grass.
Q
Arlene
August 3
Hi. I'm considering the Eco-Grass for a sloped area that was recently regraded and is just covered by some straw at the moment. Should I clear off all of the straw (along with any weeds that have started to show up) before seeding? Should I cover the Eco-Grass seeds with anything to protect them from erosion until they are established? Thanks!
A
Prairie Moon
August 4
Hi Arlene,
Yes, you should clear the straw and weeds from the site before planting in order to ensure the seed makes good contact with the soil. You could re-cover the seed with the straw to help with erosion on a mild slope. Otherwise, you could sow the eco-grass seed along with Annual Rye or oats, which establish faster, to help prevent erosion. Give us a call if you'd like to talk through those options!
Q
Theresa
August 23
Would this grass be suitable to grow between raised garden beds; right now the paths are wood chips and too narrow for a lawn mower. I don't want to plant anything in the path that would spread to the garden beds, but wou be softer to walk on than woodchips.
A
Prairie Moon
August 25
Hi Theresa,
Yes, that sounds like a great place for Eco-grass! We do recommend you mow it (weed whip it) at least once in the late fall and rake up the clippings so that it comes up nicely in the spring.
Q
Eric
September 2
I live in Massachusetts, just south of your ideal region. Specifically, we're in Plymouth, a mile from the ocean. Our soil is sandy, and we're in a wooded lot, with plenty of shade. I love the way your grass looks. Any chance Eco-Grass might take hold here and thrive? Thanks in advance.
A
Prairie Moon
September 3
Hi Eric,
That is tough to say. It probably depends how dry the soil is and how shady it is. If the soil is too dry, or if there is more than 70% shade, the Eco-Grass may struggle. There is certainly a chance that it would do fine though.
Q
Elaine
September 21
What is the right planting depth for the eco grass seed?
A
Prairie Moon
September 21
Hi Elaine, Eco-Grass can be surface-sown on bare soil and raked in. The seed should be barely covered after raking in; you should be able to see the seed showing through.
Q
Michelle
February 22
Greetings,
Do you know if anyone has tried Eco-Grass on grassed waterways or terraces in farm fields? Or, in vegetated buffers around farm fields and access areas?
Thanks,
Michelle
A
Prairie Moon
February 23
Eco-grass cannot tolerate standing water or overly saturated soils. It makes a great buffer as we have the Eco-grass planted around some of our production fields here at Prairie Moon. Just remember that it cannot take extremely wet soils so if you plan to have it as a buffer around crops that receive daily water, it might not hold for long.
Q
Heather
September 11
Does this grass need fertilizer, like upon seeding it or yearly once established? If so, how frequently, and would any grass fertilizer work?
A
Prairie Moon
September 12
Hi Heather. Eco-Grass does not require fertilizer, but it will give the lawn an extra boost. A "Fall" application of slow-release fertilizer is preferred; it has a higher amount of potassium which encourages root development. If using fertilizer, it would be better to use it in the beginning or developmental year(s) of your Eco-Grass site. Once established, Eco-Grass will not need fertilizer treatments; if spots begin to look worn or sparse, an over-sowing of more Eco-Grass in those areas would be beneficial.
Q
Meredith
December 4
I'm interested in a no mow lawns, but I worry about planting non native. Does this mix have any benefits for the local ecosystems?
A
Prairie Moon
December 5
Hi Meredith. EcoGrass is a great lawn-alternative, but it is not much more ecologically supportive than a conventional lawn blend. Once established, an EcoGrass yard is far less dependent on chemicals, maintenance, and supplemental watering. It is a wonderful option for having a lawn without the negative impacts. But when it comes to providing nectar and pollen, though, you are right - you can't beat native flowering plants.
Q
Monica
March 13
Can this blend compete with Japanese stilt grass? Our neighborhood is badly infested, and deer come through constantly, spreading it around.
A
Prairie Moon
March 14
Hi Monica. Sadly, no. The EcoGrass will not be able to win a battle with Japanese Stilt Grass. Any aggressive, established species would need to be eliminated in order to give EcoGrass the best chance at growing a lush lawn alternative.
Q
Liza
August 11
Does your eco-grass fescue seed mix contain any rye grass seed types?
A
Prairie Moon
August 16
Hi Liza. No, our Eco-Grass blend does not have a cover crop built in. At the suggested seeding rate we feel it is not needed unless you have an extreme slope.
Recommended seeding rate: 5 lbs/1,000 sq. ft. 220 lbs/acre
Eco-Grass does not need to over-winter to break germination inhibitors. Seeds sown in late fall or winter will lie dormant until spring. Even sandy soils can suit it but frequent watering may be necessary on very dry sites or in dry seasons until the plants are established. Once it fills in, Eco-Grass is a low-maintenance, attractive choice for many specific landscaping needs for home and garden.
A cool-season grass blend, Eco-Grass is best planted on a prepared site from which all weeds or competing species have been removed in early fall or early spring. Seeds can be hand broadcast or distributed with a grass-seed spreader and should be lightly raked in and then watered well for the first month or two, if needed. There are various site prep methods you could follow, no different than preparing a site for a native seed mix. Read our guide about Site Prep.
Spring has the advantage of early-season soil moisture, while early-fall plantings have the advantage of fewer competing weeds.
The seeds can be hand-broadcast or distributed with a grass-seed spreader and should be lightly raked in and then watered well for the first month or two, if needed. Depending upon conditions, germination can be expected in one to two weeks. Its cool-season nature shows in its bright-green luster in late autumn, followed by browning in dormancy and an early spring green-up.Spring has the advantage of early-season soil moisture, while early-fall plantings have the advantage of fewer competing weeds.
Eco-Grass does not need to over-winter to break germination inhibitors. Seeds sown in late fall or winter will lie dormant until spring. Even sandy soils can suit it but frequent watering may be necessary on very dry sites or in dry seasons until the plants are established. Once it fills in, Eco-Grass is a low-maintenance, attractive choice for many specific landscaping needs for home and garden.
*PLEASE NOTE: we are a mail order nursery and have no retail facilities, but you may pick up your order if prior arrangements are made. Pick up orders are subject to our MN Sales Tax of
7.375%.
Shipping & Handling Charges:
ECO-GRASS SHIPS FREE, within the contiguous US; we cannot send Eco-Grass to Canada.Shipping Season:
Eco-Grass seed can be sent year-round. Most orders ship within a day or two upon receipt.We ship using USPS, UPS and Spee Dee.
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