The Green Oasis: A Complete Guide to Growing Clover from Seed
Clover has rapidly gained popularity among homeowners and garden enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. From its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen to its low-maintenance requirements and appeal to pollinators, clover offers a multitude of benefits that make it a standout choice for lawns and gardens. This in-depth guide will teach you how to grow clover successfully, including planting it in an existing lawn and providing tips for optimal care.
Why Grow Clover? The Benefits of Clover in Your Lawn & Garden
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand why clover is such a beneficial plant. Clover naturally enhances soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. It’s also drought-resistant, meaning less watering, and it grows densely enough to crowd out weeds, making it a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns. Additionally, clover attracts pollinators like bees, which are crucial for the health of your garden.
Clover: The Versatile Ground Cover & Cover Crop
Clover is an exceptional choice for both ground cover and cover cropping, offering numerous benefits for your garden or landscape. Whether you’re looking to enhance soil health, suppress weeds, or create a lush, green lawn, clover provides a low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution.
Benefits of Clover as Ground Cover
- Soil Enrichment: Clover naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting healthy plant growth.
- Weed Suppression: With its dense growth habit, clover effectively outcompetes weeds, creating a thick, green carpet that requires minimal upkeep.
- Drought Tolerance: Clover is highly resilient to dry conditions, making it an ideal ground cover for areas prone to drought.
Clover as a Cover Crop
- Erosion Control: Clover’s extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it a perfect cover crop for sloped or vulnerable areas.
- Soil Improvement: As a cover crop, clover improves soil structure and fertility, making it an excellent choice for crop rotations or fallow fields.
- Green Manure: Clover can be tilled back into the soil as green manure, adding valuable organic matter and nutrients to your garden.
Explore our selection of ground cover seeds here to find the perfect variety for your ground cover or cover cropping needs.
Choosing the Right Clover Varieties for Your Landscape
With over 300 clover species available, picking the right variety is crucial for achieving your desired garden or lawn results. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and versatile clover varieties:
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense):
Known for its large leaves and vibrant flowers, Red Clover is a top choice for improving soil fertility in agricultural settings and adds a striking visual element to ornamental gardens. It’s an excellent option for those who want both beauty and functionality. - Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum):
This variety stands out with its brilliant red flowers and is perfect for adding a bold splash of colour to your landscape. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Crimson Clover is also highly effective as a cover crop, enhancing soil quality. - White Clover (Trifolium repens):
The most commonly used clover for lawns, White Clover is ideal for creating a lush, green, and low-maintenance ground cover. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking to attract pollinators while maintaining a beautiful, sustainable lawn. - Microclover (Trifolium repens var. Pirouette):
A smaller, more drought-tolerant variety of White Clover, Microclover is perfect for those seeking a dense, low-growing alternative to traditional lawns. It requires less mowing and watering, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
How to Grow Clover: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
After selecting the right clover variety for your needs, it’s time to plant. Proper planting is essential for ensuring your clover thrives, whether you’re starting a new lawn or incorporating clover into an existing one. Here’s how to get started:
1. Soil Preparation: Setting the Foundation for Success
Clover thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Start by testing your soil’s pH—this step is crucial as it ensures that your soil conditions are optimal for clover growth. If necessary, amend the soil to bring the pH within the ideal range. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 4 inches, removing any debris, rocks, or weeds. This creates a welcoming environment for clover roots to establish themselves.
2. Seed Selection: Quality Matters
Selecting high-quality clover seeds is key to a successful planting. Purchase your seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure they are fresh and suitable for your climate. The variety you choose should align with your specific goals—whether it’s improving soil health, adding visual appeal, or creating a pollinator-friendly environment.
3. Sowing the Seeds: Planting with Precision
For new lawns, scatter clover seeds evenly over the prepared soil at a rate of 0.25 to 0.5 ounces per 1,000 square feet. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil to ensure they make good contact. If you’re planting clover in an existing lawn, lightly rake the area first to expose the soil, then follow the same seeding process. This will help the clover integrate well with the existing grass.
4. Watering: Keeping the Soil Moist for Germination
Consistent moisture is critical during the germination phase. Water the seeded area lightly and frequently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Depending on your climate, this might mean watering once or twice daily. Once the clover is established, it will require less frequent watering.
5. Fertilizing: Supporting Healthy Growth
While clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant and often requires little to no fertilizer, applying a light, balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting can give your clover a strong start. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote the growth of grass and weeds over clover. Instead, opt for fertilizers designed for legumes, which will complement clover’s natural growth patterns.
Planting Clover: Enhance Your Lawn Naturally
Incorporating clover into your existing lawn is an effective way to create a lush, low-maintenance landscape that benefits the environment. Whether you’re looking to reduce the need for fertilizers, attract pollinators, or simply enjoy a greener lawn, planting clover is a straightforward process. Here’s how to successfully integrate clover into your lawn:
1. Mowing: Preparing Your Lawn for Clover
Start by mowing your lawn as short as possible without damaging the grass. A closely trimmed lawn helps clover seeds make better contact with the soil and minimizes competition from the existing grass. This step is crucial for ensuring that your clover establishes itself quickly and evenly.
2. Aerating: Enhancing Soil Health & Seed Penetration
Aerate your lawn using a core aerator or a manual aerating tool. Aeration improves soil drainage and creates small openings, allowing clover seeds to penetrate the soil more easily. This process also reduces soil compaction, which can otherwise hinder root development and nutrient absorption.
3. Seeding: Even Distribution for Optimal Growth
Broadcast the clover seeds evenly across your lawn at a rate of 0.25 to 0.5 ounces per 1,000 square feet. Using a hand-held or push broadcast spreader ensures even distribution, which is key to achieving a uniform clover lawn. The goal is to avoid clumping and ensure that every part of your lawn receives sufficient seed coverage.
4. Raking: Maximizing Seed-to-Soil Contact
After seeding, gently rake the lawn to help the seeds settle into the soil and the aerated holes. This step is essential for improving seed-to-soil contact, which significantly increases germination rates. Proper raking also ensures that seeds are not left exposed to the elements, reducing the risk of them being washed away or eaten by birds.
5. Watering: Ensuring Successful Germination
Water the lawn thoroughly after seeding, and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Depending on your climate, you may need to water once or twice daily. Proper watering during the early stages is critical for ensuring that your clover seeds establish a strong root system and begin to thrive.
Fertilizing Clover: Best Practices for a Lush & Healthy Lawn
Fertilizing is a key component of maintaining a vibrant and productive clover lawn. While clover is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, providing the right nutrients at the right time can enhance its growth and overall health. Here’s what you need to know about fertilizing clover:
Understanding Clover’s Nutrient Needs
Clover thrives when supplied with adequate phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), but it requires minimal nitrogen (N) due to its natural nitrogen-fixing abilities. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can inhibit this process, leading to less effective nitrogen fixation and poorer overall growth. Choosing the right fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio is essential for supporting clover’s unique needs.
Soil Testing: The First Step to Precise Fertilization
Before applying any fertilizer, perform a soil test to determine your lawn’s current nutrient levels. Soil testing provides valuable insights into what your clover needs, helping you avoid over-fertilization or under-fertilization. This precision ensures that your clover receives the exact nutrients it needs for optimal growth.
Timing Your Fertilization for Maximum Effectiveness
Timing is crucial when it comes to fertilizing clover. The best times to apply fertilizer are in early spring, when clover is actively growing, or in the fall after the last cutting or grazing. Fertilizing during these periods allows the clover to absorb nutrients more efficiently, leading to vigorous growth and a healthy root system.
Fertilization Methods: Choosing the Right Approach
There are several methods for applying fertilizer to your clover lawn, each with its advantages:
- Broadcasting: Spread the fertilizer evenly across the lawn’s surface using a broadcast spreader. This method is ideal for large areas and ensures that nutrients are distributed uniformly.
- Side-dressing: Apply fertilizer in a band alongside the clover plants, ensuring nutrients are readily available for uptake. This targeted approach is particularly useful in smaller areas where precise application is needed.
- Liquid Fertilization: Use liquid fertilizers through an irrigation system or sprayer for even distribution and rapid absorption by the clover. This method allows for efficient nutrient uptake, especially in well-established clover lawns.
Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Clover
Selecting the right fertilizer is crucial to your clover lawn’s success. Look for fertilizers with low nitrogen content and higher phosphorus and potassium levels. A balanced N-P-K ratio, such as 5-10-10, is often recommended for clover. This ensures your clover receives the nutrients it needs without disrupting its natural nitrogen-fixing process.
Successfully incorporating clover into your existing lawn involves careful preparation, including mowing, aerating, and ensuring even seed distribution. By following these steps and maintaining consistent watering, you can establish a thriving clover lawn. Additionally, understanding clover’s unique nutrient needs and applying the right fertilizer at the right time will support its growth and health, resulting in a lush, low-maintenance landscape that benefits both your garden and the environment.
Clover Germination & Growth: What to Expect
Understanding the germination process and growth characteristics of different clover varieties, including White Clover, Red Clover, and Crimson Clover, is essential for cultivating a thriving clover lawn or garden. This section covers what you need to know about the germination timeline, growth height, and the benefits of incorporating companion plants with clover.
How Long Does Clover Take to Germinate?
Clover seeds typically germinate within 5 to 14 days, depending on factors such as soil temperature, moisture levels, and seed quality. For successful germination, it’s important to plant clover seeds in soil that is consistently moist and maintains a temperature between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C). Under ideal conditions, you may see the first sprouts within a week.
- White Clover (Trifolium repens): White Clover seeds usually begin to germinate within 7 to 10 days, with full establishment taking a few weeks under optimal conditions.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red Clover seeds germinate in about 7 to 14 days. It’s a bit more tolerant of varying conditions but still benefits from consistent moisture.
- Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum): Crimson Clover seeds also take about 7 to 14 days to germinate. This variety is particularly suited for cooler climates and can be sown in early spring or fall for best results.
Regular monitoring of soil conditions during the germination period will help ensure successful sprouting across all clover varieties.
How Tall Does Clover Grow?
The height of clover varies by species and environmental conditions. Knowing the growth potential of each variety can help you manage your lawn or garden more effectively.
- White Clover (Trifolium repens): White Clover typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 inches. Its low-growing nature makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, providing a dense, green lawn that requires minimal mowing.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red Clover can reach heights of 12 to 18 inches. It is often used in pastures, as a cover crop, or as an ornamental border plant due to its taller growth and vibrant flowers.
- Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum): Crimson Clover grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches, making it the tallest among the commonly used clover varieties. It’s well-known for its striking red flowers, which add a vivid splash of colour to any garden. Crimson Clover is often used as a cover crop to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
Regular mowing will help maintain the desired height, especially when clover is incorporated into an existing lawn. For White Clover, aim to mow at about 3 inches to keep it lush and even, while Crimson and Red Clover may require trimming if grown in ornamental settings or mixed with other plants.
Clover Companion Plants: Enhancing Your Garden’s Ecosystem
Pairing clover with compatible companion plants can significantly boost the health, productivity, and biodiversity of your garden. By choosing the right plants to grow alongside clover, you can
improve soil fertility, attract beneficial insects, and create a more resilient garden ecosystem.
Legumes: Beans & Peas
Legumes such as beans and peas are ideal companions for clover. Both clover and legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants, meaning they enrich the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb. This natural process reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making your garden more sustainable. Beans and peas also benefit from the improved soil conditions created by clover, leading to stronger, healthier plants.
Related Article: How to Grow Beans: A Comprehensive Guide.
Brassicas: Cabbage, Kale & Broccoli
Brassicas, including cabbage, kale, and broccoli, thrive when planted with clover. Clover’s dense growth helps suppress weeds that would otherwise compete with brassicas for nutrients and space. Additionally, the nitrogen that clover fixes in the soil is readily available to brassicas, promoting robust growth and higher yields.
Related Article: How to Grow Cabbage: Your Complete Guide to Success.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets & Radishes
Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes benefit from the nitrogen-rich soil provided by clover. The low-growing clover acts as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around these root crops. This symbiotic relationship leads to larger, healthier root vegetables.
Herbs: Dill, Cilantro & Basil
Herbs such as dill, cilantro, and basil make excellent companions for clover. The flowers of clover attract pollinators, which are essential for the successful growth of herbs and other flowering plants. Additionally, the diverse habitat created by clover and herbs together promotes a balanced ecosystem, attracting beneficial insects that help control pests.
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Grains: Wheat, Barley & Oats
Grains like wheat, barley, and oats thrive when grown alongside clover. These grains benefit from the nitrogen that clover adds to the soil, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields. Clover also acts as a ground cover, reducing soil erosion and preventing weed growth, which can compete with grains for nutrients.
Fruits: Fruit Trees, Berries & Strawberries
Fruit plants, including fruit trees, berries, and strawberries, are ideal companions for clover. The nitrogen fixed by clover enhances soil fertility, leading to more productive
fruit plants. Additionally, clover’s flowers attract pollinators, which are crucial for fruit development. Planting clover beneath fruit trees or between berry bushes and strawberry rows can significantly improve the health and yield of your fruit garden.
Incorporating clover companion plants into your garden is a strategic way to enhance soil health, boost pollinator activity, and achieve better overall plant growth. By carefully selecting and planting clover alongside these compatible species, you can create a more diverse, resilient, and productive garden.
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Conclusion
Growing clover is a rewarding way to create a lush, sustainable landscape that benefits both your garden and the environment. By mastering how to grow clover and understanding the specific needs of each variety—whether it’s the low-maintenance White Clover or the vibrant Crimson Clover—you can successfully establish a thriving clover lawn or garden. Proper soil preparation, timely planting, and strategic use of companion plants are key to growing clover that enhances soil fertility, attracts pollinators, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. As you nurture your clover, you’ll not only enjoy its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
Additional Resources
Planting clover the right way can make all the difference in achieving a lush, healthy lawn or garden. To help you master this process, we’ve included a video that demonstrates the best way to plant clover. This video offers step-by-step guidance, from soil preparation to seeding techniques, ensuring you get the most out of your clover planting efforts.
Watch the video below to learn the best way to plant clover:
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Clover
If you’re considering adding clover to your garden or lawn, you likely have some questions about how to get started. Understanding how to grow clover can be both rewarding and beneficial, but knowing the details is key to success. In this FAQ section, we’ll answer the most common questions about growing clover, from planting tips and care advice to understanding its role in soil health and ecosystem support. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, these insights will help you cultivate a thriving clover landscape.
1. What are the benefits of growing clover in your lawn?
Clover offers numerous benefits when integrated into your lawn. It naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Clover is also drought-resistant, requires less mowing, and can outcompete weeds, creating a lush and low-maintenance lawn. Growing clover can enhance your lawn’s resilience and sustainability.
2. Which types of clover are best for lawns?
The most popular types of clover for lawns include White Dutch Clover, Microclover, and Red Clover. White Dutch Clover is commonly used due to its resilience and ease of growth, while Microclover is ideal for those who prefer a finer-textured lawn. Red Clover, though taller, can add diversity and colour to your lawn, making it an excellent choice for adding visual interest.
3. When is the best time to plant clover seeds?
The ideal time to plant clover seeds is in early spring or early fall when temperatures are cooler. This allows clover to establish strong roots before the heat of summer or the cold of winter sets in. Ensure the soil is moist and well-prepared for optimal germination. Learning when and how to grow clover will maximize your success.
4. How do you prepare the soil for planting clover?
To prepare the soil for clover, start by clearing the area of any weeds or existing grass. Lightly till the soil to create a loose, even surface. Clover thrives in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, so consider testing and adjusting the soil’s pH if necessary. Adding organic compost can also improve soil fertility and structure, giving your clover the best start.
5. How do you plant clover seeds?
Plant clover seeds by evenly broadcasting them over the prepared soil. Rake the soil lightly to cover the seeds, ensuring they are in good contact with the soil. Water the area gently to keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged. Clover seeds generally take 7-14 days to germinate, so be patient as your clover begins to grow.
6. How much water does clover need?
Clover is relatively drought-tolerant once established but requires consistent moisture during the germination phase. Water the seeds daily, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. After the clover has established, it only needs watering during extended dry periods, making clover an excellent choice for low-maintenance lawns.
7. Can clover be grown in shady areas?
Yes, clover can tolerate partial shade, though it prefers full sun. In shaded areas, clover may grow more slowly and less densely, but it can still provide good ground cover. If your lawn has heavy shade, consider mixing clover with other shade-tolerant ground covers to ensure even coverage.
8. How often should you mow a clover lawn?
Clover lawns typically require less frequent mowing than traditional grass lawns. Mow your clover lawn about once a month or when it reaches 3-6 inches in height. Avoid mowing too short, as clover thrives best when it has a bit of height, allowing it to outcompete weeds and stay healthy.
9. Does clover attract bees, and is that a concern?
Clover flowers do attract bees, which is beneficial for pollination. However, if you’re concerned about bees, consider planting Microclover, which produces fewer flowers and is less likely to attract them. Alternatively, mow the clover before it flowers to minimize bee activity and reduce the number of pollinators in your lawn.
10. How do you control weeds in a clover lawn?
Clover is naturally good at suppressing weeds due to its dense growth habit. However, if weeds do appear, manual removal is usually sufficient. Avoid using broadleaf herbicides, as they will also kill clover. Maintaining healthy clover with proper mowing and watering can help keep weeds at bay, ensuring your lawn remains lush and weed-free.
11. Can clover be mixed with grass, and how does it affect the lawn?
Yes, clover can be mixed with grass to create a more resilient and sustainable lawn. Clover adds nitrogen to the soil, which benefits the grass, while the grass helps fill in gaps and create a more uniform appearance. This combination can reduce the need for fertilizers and provide a lawn that stays green longer during dry periods, making it an ideal strategy for lawn care.
12. How long does it take for clover to establish?
Clover typically takes about 2-3 months to fully establish, though it can start providing coverage in as little as 4-6 weeks under optimal conditions. During this period, ensure regular watering and avoid heavy foot traffic to help the clover grow strong roots, allowing it to become a permanent fixture in your lawn.
13. Is clover invasive?
Clover is not generally considered invasive in a well-maintained lawn. It spreads by creeping stems and seeds, but it does not typically outcompete other lawn plants like grass. If you prefer to control its spread, regular mowing and proper lawn maintenance should be sufficient to keep it in check.
14. How do you care for clover during the winter?
Clover is hardy and can survive winter conditions, especially White Dutch Clover and Red Clover. In colder climates, the clover may go dormant and brown, but it will usually regrow in the spring. There’s no need to provide special care, but you may overseed in the spring if necessary to fill any bare spots that develop over the winter.
15. Can clover be used as a cover crop?
Yes, clover is an excellent cover crop, particularly for improving soil health. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, helps prevent erosion, and can be tilled back into the soil as green manure. Clover is often used in crop rotations to enrich the soil for future plantings, making it a valuable addition to sustainable gardening practices.
16. Is clover safe for pets?
Clover is generally safe for pets, though it’s always a good idea to monitor your animals when they are first introduced to a clover lawn. Some pets may have mild digestive issues if they consume large quantities, but clover is not toxic and is considered a pet-friendly ground cover.
17. What is the best way to overseed clover in an existing lawn?
To overseed clover in an existing lawn, start by mowing the lawn short and raking to expose the soil. Broadcast the clover seeds evenly over the area, then water thoroughly. Keep the lawn moist until the clover seeds have germinated and established. Regularly overseeding clover can help maintain a thick, healthy lawn.
18. How does clover handle foot traffic?
Clover can handle moderate foot traffic and will bounce back quickly from light use. For areas with heavy traffic, consider mixing clover with grass or other tough ground covers to ensure durability. Microclover is particularly resilient to foot traffic and is a great option for areas with higher activity.
19. Does clover require fertilization?
Clover naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil, so it typically does not require additional fertilization. In fact, over-fertilizing can encourage grass to outcompete the clover. If you do fertilize, use a low-nitrogen or organic fertilizer to maintain a balance that supports the clover without overwhelming it.
20. How do you remove clover if you no longer want it in your lawn?
If you decide to remove clover from your lawn, you can manually pull it out, ensuring you remove the roots. Alternatively, you can overseed with grass and increase mowing frequency to gradually reduce the clover population. Avoid using broadleaf herbicides, as they can damage other desirable plants in your lawn.
