Frequently Asked Questions
A: It generally takes from one to four days after an order is received to blend and ship it. We do not pre-blend and inventory seed mixes but blend them fresh when your order is received. This allows us to select the freshest wildflower and native grass seed and assure the highest quality of blends at all times. An exception to this is our one ounce seed mix packets that are in sealed Mylar envelopes and have a shelf life of three years.
Q: Can I place a tax-exempt order on your website?
A: Yes! There are a few steps to setting up a tax-exempt account. These steps must be completed prior to your first purchase.
1. Create an account with us here.
2. Once your account is created, email a copy of your tax-exempt certificate to sales@opnseed.com. We'll approve your tax-exemption internally and send you an email once approved.
3. That's it! You now have a tax-exempt account for all future purchases. You must be logged into your account before making a purchase.
Q: Does OPN Seed use pesticides or neonicotinoids?
A: OPN Seed (Ohio Prairie Nursery) does not and will not use neonicotinoids or other insecticides in our seed production models. It is our pledge to our customers who share our vision and objectives.
Q: Does OPN Seed offer a native foraging seed mix?
A: We have had more and more foraging mix requests lately and are working to educate ourselves. Currently though, we defer to recommendations from livestock specialists on which native species are palatable to certain animals. Our skill set is native plants and there is just too much variance between what is palatable to different animals and even just between different breeds of the same animal. Our recommendation is to contact your local SWCD office and start the conversation. They should be able to put you in touch with the right person that can help select suitable species for your specific animals. We can design a custom seed mix based on their recommendations. If you have any questions, please email info@opnseed.com.
Q: Why is site preparation more important when planting native ecosystems as compared to traditional lawns?
A: When planting a low maintenance lawn, you are planting a collection of relatively quick establishing cool season grasses that have been bred to turf applications. The site preparation generally consists of contouring and preparing a seed bed by raking and removing debris and rocks. Since the turf grasses germinate quickly, and can be mowed and supported with broadleaf herbicides, the existing seed bank in the soil is not extremely important. Native ecosystems are composed of grasses and broadleaf plant species. They are slower to germinate and establish than turf grasses. This allows the existing seed bank to germinate and establish at the same time as your native planting. Once you have undesirable species mixed with your natives, it is difficult and time consuming to discriminate between the two. So, site preparation is important to inhibit the existing seed bank.
Q: How do I get started?
A: The first question we ask is, what are you starting with? Different site conditions, turf, finish grade, old field etc., require different techniques. See our How To Plant Native Grass and Wildflower Seed for information or contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Q: Can you send me a catalog?
A: In an effort to stay eco-friendly, we do not print a catalog. Our website is updated regularly and you can keep up with us by signing up for our newsletter.
Q: Are the species in a rain garden the same as wetland species?
A: Wetland species like their "feet" wet all of the time. Rain gardens, bioswales, and detention basins differ from wetlands in that they are designed to drain fairly quickly and dry out. The species used in these applications are floodplain species that are selected for areas that are seasonally wet or dry.
Q: Can I put wildflowers in with a low maintenance lawn seed mix?
A: Wildflowers rarely existed in ecosystems without some grass or grass-like species. Most of the native grasses are clump grasses, as are the species in our Freedom I low maintenance lawn mix. Wildflowers can live quite comfortably in this situation and occupy the spaces between the grass clumps.
Q: I heard at one of your educational presentations that winter is a good time to seed. Can you explain this to me again?
A: Winter is an excellent time to sow seed. This technique is generally called frost seeding and can be done on a hard frost in the morning or even on a light snow on frozen ground. As the soil freezes and thaws throughout the winter, the seed sets in the soil. The cold moist conditions during this time acts to stratify the seed allowing it to begin the germination cycle. When spring comes and the soil warms up, the seed complete germinating and the plant begins to grow.
Q: How long does it take to establish a native planting?
A: The establishment time of native plantings vary greatly depending on; what species are planted, time of the planting, weather conditions, soil conditions, and site preparation. As a general rule, we tell people that two to three years are needed for a native planting to begin to mature. As time goes on, the planting becomes denser as the more conservative species begin to appear.
Q: Are native plantings maintenance free?
A: In today’s environment the pressure from non-native undesirable or invasive species is very high. Soils contain the seed of many species both native and non-native that will continue to germinate as condition are favorable. In addition, seed blows in on the wind and is carried in by birds and other animals. As a result, there are always undesirable species being introduced into native plantings. You will need to identify these species and remove them in order to keep your planting the way you intended it when it was planted. Over time, maintenance requirements generally decrease as the natives tend to dominate the site. Maintenance activities need to be looked upon as opportunities to further your understanding of how ecosystems work. From season to season over time you will get to know your planting and begin to understand the complexities and interrelationships it represents. Guidelines for native planting management can be found here.