Can I just throw clover seed on the ground?
You can toss the seed out but if there is consistent shade then the clover will not thrive there. You might want to have a backup option incase your clover/grass doesn’t fill in. Shrubs might work along the edges as a fill between the trees and the lawn. Clover benefits the environment because it eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers and is good for pollinators. While clover requires less water and mowing, its flowers won’t withstand heavy foot traffic.I’ve been over seeding my yard with clover for over a decade. It will out compete grass, but grass is stubborn and invasive. If I had it to do over again, I would do cardboard, compost/soil and then seed, & straw mulch. But my yard is small and it would have been easy to do that.Clover lawns are a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly alternative to turf lawns. Clover is also easier to establish than turf and can withstand partial shade, making it ideal for areas of your yard where grass seed won’t grow.To encourage flowering and local adaptation of the clover and other species through in situ seed production and natural selection, one can stop mowing for 4-6 weeks in mid-summer on part or all of the lawn.Overseeding Clover Into Your Grass Lawn Instead, you must prep the lawn to ensure the seed makes good soil contact for improved germination. Mow your grass 1 to 1. Dethatch the entire area with a power rake. For small patches, use a garden rake to loosen the soil.
Can clover be planted in the fall?
If you live in an area with mild winters, clover seeds can be sown in early fall or late winter. In cold, snowy areas, wait until spring when temperatures are consistently over 60°F. Clover is considered semi-evergreen or evergreen, depending on the region in which it’s planted. It will retain its color through the summer (except in extreme drought) and can stay green year-round in areas where winters aren’t too cold, like in the southern U. S.If a stand of an annual clover is present in an area for more than one year without being replanted, it is due either to reseeding or delayed germination of previously planted seed. All annual plants present at any given time will die within a 12 month period.
Do I need to soak clover seeds before planting?
Place clover seeds in a quart jar or other sprouting container. Add ¼-½ cup cool water, cover with a sprouting screen or mesh sprouting lid and soak 8 hours or overnight. A humid environment will help the seeds germinate faster, but make sure you’re being safe. If you want to grow a new lawn that is 100% clover, you will need to sow the clover seed onto bare prepared soil, much as you would when sowing wildflower seed. Dig the soil to around 20cms deep, levelling with a rake. You may want to leave the soil alone for a few weeks to see if any weed seeds germinate in this time.Sowing a clover lawn is easy; the process is very similar to sowing grass seed, and it can be done by simply scattering the seeds across your lawn.If seeding a mix of grass and clover, use approximately one part clover to 15 parts of appropriate grass seed. Usually it is best to sow clover seed separately as it settles out and results in patchy areas.
How long does a clover plant last?
However, if you care for them properly a perennial stand can last for many years. Perennials like red and white clovers, alfalfa, trefoils and chicory provide dependable nutrition and attraction and are especially important for antler growth, fawn rearing and early hunting season attraction. The plant is a perennial but only lives a short time (two to three years) because it easily succumbs to disease and harsh winters. Red clover is a good rotation crop, returning 120 pounds of useful nitrogen to the soil each year.The most popular types of clover, like white and red clover, are perennials. This means they don’t need to be replanted every year; instead, they come back on their own after dormancy. Properly managed clover stands can thrive for several years before you might consider reseeding.
What is the best time to plant clover?
Clover is a hardy plant and can thrive in most soils (sandy loams to clay) and conditions that range from full sun to partial shade. Plant clover in the spring or early summer, when the ground has become soft and moist from the spring rains. You may also plant in September or early October in most locations. White clover thrives best in a cool, moist climate in soils with ample lime, phosphate, and potash. In general, white clover is best adapted to clay and silt soils in humid and irrigated areas.
What are the downsides of a clover lawn?
Clover will attract bees because of its white flowers. This can be unfavorable if you are allergic or have people and pets who play on the lawn. Clover is an invasive grower because the roots spread out far and fast. The roots can even creep over edging and enter into your gardens. Clover has many benefits, but it also has drawbacks. Although clover attracts pollinators, it may be bothersome to have a lot of bees in your yard if you have a bee allergy or if you have children and pets at risk of being stung. Additionally, clover needs to be reseeded every few years.