Many professionals working in gardens, landscape design, consultancy, or ecology will be familiar with the term "EM2 equivalent", or may have encountered it in project specifications. While it is widely used and generally well understood within the industry, it can also cause confusion, particularly around where seed must be sourced from.
This article explains what EM2 equivalent actually means, where the terminology comes from, and why it does not require seed to be purchased from any single supplier.
Shop our EM2 Equivalent Meadow Mix.
What is EM2?
EM2 is the product name for Emorsgate Seeds’ General Purpose Meadow Mixture. It is a long‑established and widely trusted seed mix designed for creating species‑rich grassland across a wide range of soil types.
The defining characteristics of EM2 are:
- An 85:15 ratio of grasses to wildflowers (by weight)
- A balanced selection of native perennial grasses
- A diverse range of native wildflower species suitable for general meadow creation
Because EM2 has been used successfully for many years, ecologists often reference it as a shorthand way of describing a proven meadow specification.
What Does ‘EM2 Equivalent’ Actually Mean?
When a specification calls for EM2 equivalent, it does not mean:
- That seed must be purchased from Emorsgate Seeds
- That a branded product is required
Instead, it means:
A meadow seed mix with the same functional composition, matching the grass-to-wildflower ratio, species type, and overall ecological intent of EM2.
In other words, EM2 equivalent is a composition-based specification, not a brand requirement, and that is why our 85:15 Standard Meadow Mix is compatible with the requirement.
This distinction is important, particularly for:
- Public-sector projects
- Planning conditions
- Competitive tendering processes
In these contexts, specifying a brand-exclusive product would usually be inappropriate. The term ‘equivalent’ exists precisely to allow alternative suppliers to meet the same ecological outcome.
Why Has the Term Become So Common?
The phrase EM2 equivalent has become widespread simply because Emorsgate Seeds are:
- A long-established and respected supplier
- Known for consistent, high-quality native seed
- Frequently referenced in ecological guidance and historical specifications
Over time, EM2 has become a convenient benchmark, a familiar reference point that helps ecologists communicate their intent clearly and efficiently.
However, this familiarity can unintentionally give the impression that EM2 is a unique or proprietary standard, when it is simply a well-defined meadow mix that can be matched by other competent native seed growers.
Can Other Suppliers Provide an EM2 Equivalent?
YES! Kent Seeds supplies this EM2 equivalent seed mix, which will establish a natural, low-maintenance meadow with a strong grass foundation.
A seed company can state that their meadow mix is EM2 equivalent, provided that it:
- Maintains the 85:15 grass to wildflower ratio
- Uses appropriate native UK species
- Is suitable for the intended site conditions
- Meets expected standards of seed quality and provenance
As a native wildflower seed grower and supplier, we produce meadow mixes that are fully comparable in composition and performance to EM2. Our seed is:
- Native and responsibly sourced
- Carefully cleaned and tested
- Blended to match recognised ecological specifications
The outcomes on site, species diversity, establishment success, and long-term habitat value, is determined by mix composition and seed quality, not by brand name.
Why This Matters
Understanding what EM2 equivalent truly means allows:
- Clients to make informed purchasing decisions
- Contractors to source seed competitively
- Ecologists aim to achieve the desired habitat outcomes without unnecessary constraints
Ultimately, the goal of meadow creation is biodiversity, resilience, and ecological function. Multiple suppliers can deliver this, as long as the specification is met.
In Summary
EM2 equivalent refers to a type of meadow mix, not a mandatory supplier.
The key requirement is an 85:15 grass to wildflower composition with suitable native species.
High-quality equivalents can be supplied by other specialist native seed growers.
If you are working to an EM2 or EM2 equivalent specification, drop us an email info@kentseeds.co.uk or message us on Instagram @Kent.Seeds