Whether you are establishing a new lawn or maintaining an old one, there are great reasons to add clover to your mix. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Will there be enough existing phosphorus to over seed a mature lawn with clover? Follow with grass seed if using. Solo. Almost everyones had some clover growing in itand some lawns were entirely made of clover. This amount will be enough to handle an average-sized lawn. Leave the clippings on the lawn (they are a valuable mulch). After your clover is grown, don't water more than once per week since, as we mentioned previously, it has deep roots and is drought-resistant. But how green are they? However, new micro-clovers developed in the last few decades offer more resilient varieties that many people are choosing to sow in much higher concentrationsup to 100%. General inquiry Compress with a roller or by walking over the area. Since clover seed is so small and dense, and usually clumps together at the bottom of the spreader or seed bag, spreading with grass seed usually results in uneven coverage. If starting a lawn from scratch use 5% Micro Clover of the total weight of the grass seed being sown. If you are seeding a large expanse, you may want to use a broadcast spreader on the smallest setting. home improvement and repair website. You can always overseed with clover if the grass starts taking over. Before chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, the humble clover plant was a common resident in backyard lawns across the country. You may freely link problems contact [emailprotected]. Clover is drought tolerant and grows despite lack of water once established. Produces about 90% fewer blooms than Dutch white clover. However you feel about lawns, one thing is certain: you can make yours more sustainable by considering clover. Seeds at a rate of about 1lb per 1000 square feet. No more overpriced grass seed! This will also favor the clover over the grass, and help the clover plants establish their roots. Do not fertilize. They also generate oxygen, provide a lush carpet for childrens barefoot play, and offer a pleasant setting for active summer livingbadminton anyone? A nitrogen-fixing plant, clover brings nutrients to your soil and requires no fertilization. The flowers of clover will attract honeybees, which are beneficial for the environment and for the rest of your garden, and it feels nice to walk on clover (as long as you keep an eye out for those honeybees). There were good reasons for this. Try not to walk on your newly planted lawn for at least a week, and remember to keep the soil moist at all times. This will give the seeds adequate moisture for sprouting and help them get a good start in their new location. Tip: When establishing your clover lawn, grass weeds can become a problem. Once the clover begins to thrive, you can reduce the mowing by letting your lawn grow to 3. Clover will stain clothing and its difficult to get out, so children should be careful when playing. Some of the newer micro-clovers are even more tolerant of shade and can grow in high-traffic areas. Youll want to wait until spring arrives to plant your clover, so when youre ready, go to the feed store and buy about five dollars worth of Dutch clover seeds. Since clover fixes its own nitrogen, it will thrive even if this nutrient is lacking (while grasses usually wont). Just writing to show us some love . It is drought tolerant too; because its roots are longer, they can reach water that hides at deeper levels in the ground. Once you complete this step, go back to where you started and cover everything you put down with another layer of soilabout 1/4 of an inch this time. Rake or till the top layer of soil to loosen the substrate and then water the area to encourage any remaining weeds to sprout. Whatever mix you choose, the balance of clover and grasses will change over time and reach an equilibrium that works well for your soil type and local conditions. **50-75 seeds per square foot are usually adequate for a good stand. Temperatures should remain above 40F (4C) for the clover to take hold before winter. Is it ok to just throw down some seed in this area and water it daily? Fall planting may also be a possibility if you live in an area with mild autumn weather. To find out your soils pH, use a soil test kit or a pH meter. When seeded with grass, the seed rate is only 1 lbs per acre (43,000 sq. If seeding 1kg of grass, seed use 50g of Micro Clover in the mix. This contrasts starkly with traditional lawn grasses, which usually need watering all season long. Include a special message Fertilizer with phosphorus is only to be used on new lawns. Numbers above 75 may result in excessive competition and poor establishment of some species. Tip: Clover grows best in fertile, moist soil, with a pH around 6.5. I have a small area of highly pampered Fescue. Never use herbicides on a clover lawn. White clover seed, 500 gram bag, for mixing into a lawn to create a self-fertilizing yard. Connect with your County Extension Office , Find an Extension employee in our staff directory , Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | 2022 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy | Discrimination and Harassment Complaints | Disability Accommodation Requests | Civil Rights. As noted above, lawn specialists recommend using both clover and grass seed to establish the healthiest lawn possible. All rights reserved. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. However, after two or three years, the lawn may need additional seed or may require reseeding altogether. Ah, the backyard lawn, that controversial patch of greenery adored by some and shunned by others. I have a fair amount of large patches of clover this year. Then spread this mix evenly over your entire lawn. Because the cuttings from clover can become quite messy, some people simply let it grow to full height and dont mow at all. Say good-bye to burn marksclover will not turn yellow as quickly as a regular lawn when pets are around. Not to mention, when working with clover, you won't need any fertilizer or pesticides. Clover is versatile. They wont sprout if buried too deeply. A thin layer will help keep them from washing away and keep them moist, for good germination. Rake the planted area to lightly cover the seeds. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: 2022 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Rates up to 150 seeds/sq foot will give faster initial ground cover but no more yield. Do White clover, moss, and bare spots - Problem seeding lawn in past. Once planted, water your clover seed every day for two weeks. Full sun or partial shade? Tip: Keep the soil moist watering at least daily (possibly more often if it is sunny) until you see the seeds start to grow, then reduce watering. (LogOut/ When you water, water deeply to encourage deep roots. With fewer requirements and care, and more time for enjoyment, a clover lawn is a natural choice for your overall sustainability solution. On the one hand, lawns require large amounts of water to survive. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Hi Abigail, skip the fertilizer entirely. What kind of request do you want to make? Seeds at a rate of about 1lb to 300-600 square feet. (LogOut/ (LogOut/ Mixed
Mix in the seed until you have about four per square inch. Water regularly until established. First, it is very low maintenance (and also cost-effective) so you can spend more time doing other things, such as landscaping or gardening activities you enjoy more. Not sure if I d How to Wrap Line for a Weed Eater in 7 Steps. Shipping request On the other hand, lawns are ground covers that can prevent the encroachment of unwanted or invasive weeds. Pipolina, for example). Instead, determine your desired ratio of clover to grass and spread separately. 90% of the Fescue is doing Clover area with little grass growing on front lawn. Copyright The soil you use can be common garden soil or any kind of dirt. However, keep in mind that many spreaders dont accommodate seeds as small as clover. suggestions. Your clover seed will benefit if sown after a thorough aeration. Mix your clover seed with some soil using a wheelbarrow as a "bowl." I.E. Since clover is not as hardwearing as grass, a mix ensures your lawn will withstand foot traffic and wont need regular reseeding. The results speak for themselves year over year. If your soil isnt in this desirable range, you can adjust the pH using lime (to make your soil more alkaline), or peat moss (to make your soil more acidic). Website operating Before trimming your lawn for the first time, wait until the clover drops its seeds, and then cut fairly close, about 2 from the ground. They must also take care when going barefoot on the lawn since they could step on the stingers of honeybees. To add clover to an already established lawn, begin by mowing close to the ground and raking out any thatch that developed over the previous growing season. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. Be sure to keep an eye out for any four-leaf clovers that you can pick and enjoy the lush look of your new lawn! Thanks, excellent information! Restricted to the aristocracy before mechanical mowers made them possible for humbler folk, lawns have become the norm of boulevards and subdivisions alike. Clover is tolerant of many conditions and outcompetes other weeds. Mix your clover seed with sand, sawdust, or fine soil to make spreading easier. Use a broadcast spreader (if you can find one that accommodates clover) for large areas to ensure even distribution. Straw can also be used to cover the seeds. A new clover lawn wont usually flower until after its first year. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Planting clover instead of grass has numerous benefits. Mix your chosen clover seed with fine sand, sawdust, or soil, and broadcast over desired area. As a cover crop or ground cover the seed rate is 2,000 sq. Water the soil lightly, taking care not to wash away any seeds. It is wise to withhold some seeds for filling in any bald areas that appear. Be careful not to pack it too tightly or the clover sprouts will have a tough time breaking through. Stays green all year round (depending on geographical area). To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. We welcome your comments and ft. per lbs. Add to a regular lawn to help invigorate tired turf or plant a full clover lawn on its own for lush, year-round greenery (depending on your geographical location). Overseeding an Established Lawn:50g for 1,000 square feet250g for 5,000 square feet500g for 10,000 square feet2.5kg for 50,000 square feet (one acre), Sowing Rate with No Grass (recommended):50g for 100 square feet250g for 500 square feet500g for 1,000 square feet2.5kg for 5,000 square feet. Be sure to keep deer and other clover-eating animals off the lawn. Please create account/login through {{ customer_email }} email. You can view your wishlist by creating account or logging-in an existing account. Blooms when mature, providing food for bees. Adding clover to your existing lawn or planting a new lawn with clover in the mix will help reduce the impacts of your little patch of green. After this time, mow once weekly to control bloom coverage (if desired). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Natural Lawn Care: Tips and Non-toxic Products for a Healthy Yard. It doesn't have to be perfect; just be sure most of the major hills have been eliminated. If you have a certain area that gets heavy foot traffic, it might be best to put down some stones for walking, since clover gets trampled easily and isn't great at springing back up. If your lawn needs aerating, now is the time. Most landscape professionals recommend a ratio of 15-20% clover seed to 80-85% drought-tolerant grass seed suitable for your area and location. Support healthy breakfasts for kids we'll donate 15% of all sales to Breakfast Club of Canada from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Premium Plus lawn seed mix, 10 lbs bag, for beautiful lawns, with high-percentage Kentucky Blue Grass, Quick Catch lawn seed mix, 10 lbs bag, for a quick greening lawn, patching or overseeding, Quick Catch lawn seed mix, 50 lbs bag, for a quick greening lawn, patching or overseeding, Quick Catch lawn seed mix, 25 lbs bag, for a quick greening lawn, patching or overseeding, Hardilawn lawn seed mix, 50 lbs bag, creates a lawn that stands up to high-traffic and kids, 825 Van Buren St. Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0. The two varieties most commonly used in lawns are Dutch (or dwarf) white clover (Trifolium repens) and more recently, micro-clover (Trifolium repens var. The key to giving clover a boost over competing grasses is to cut back on nitrogen-based fertilizers. Most of it ends up in the water system as runoff which is best to avoid. We'll assume you're starting the planting process with a lawn area that has been stripped, and you are left with bare soil. Your clover wont survive! Control them by mowing the lawn until the clover is three inches tall, at which point the clover will be able to trump the grasses on its own. Generally, 1/4 to 1/2 pounds of white clover seed will cover 1000 square feet. Adding a small amount of clover seed to your turf will create a partially self-fertilizing lawn; the clover binds nitrogen from the air into the soil, which in turn is fertilizer for the grass growing around it. All rates above are recommended for machine spreading. They are monoculture crops that provide minimal benefits to nature. Clover will also naturally aerate and enrich your soil by taking nitrogen from the air and adding it to the soil, which is a good thing if you ever decide to switch back to a traditional grass lawn. We just seed and let nature do the rest. Is fairly shade tolerant, though does best in areas with sun. Just seeded lawns. A day or two before planting your lawn, remove any newly sprouted weeds and rake to a smooth, even texture. When mixed with other grasses, clover can reduce or eliminate the need for regular fertilizing. The best time to plant clover is after the last frost in spring, when rains will help you establish new crop and competing grasses havent yet taken hold of available nutrients. Our 500 gram bag is just over 1 lbs. Mix into your prepared soil or broadcast with your clover seed at planting time. All information is provided "AS IS." Check out our mixes, we only include premium perennial grasses, and do not incorporate (cheap) annual rye grass that disappears after the first season. Within two weeks, you should see clover sprouts all over your lawn. Solacity provides top-quality seed mixes at affordable prices! Home Hay and Pasture Seeding Rate Calculator, Choose solo or mixed seeding:
However, dont spread these different types of seeds together. To be sure if a clover lawn is right for you, contact your local garden center to ask about the success of clover in your region. If you dont already have clover growing somewhere in your area, you may need to inoculate the soil to prepare it for the clover seed. Not only is clover a leguminous plant, meaning that it can fix nitrogen from the air and release it slowly to the other plants in your lawn, it also stays green longer and needs less water than conventional grasses. Turns brown in winter due to dormancy period. You can buy inoculant from your local garden center. If spreading seeds by hand, add 25% to 50% more seeds. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Heres what you need to know about these options: Clover does best when planted in clay or sandy loam soils with a pH between 6 and 7. ft.). If you want to add a thin layer of aged compost to add nutrients when over seeding or just seeding that will be plenty. View our Privacy Policy here. Ask for a gardening guide Clower is also a great ground cover in its own right, and a cover-crop for over fall-winter-spring to till under a vegetable patch as a green manure (be sure to seed at least 4 weeks before the first killing frost so it can sprout and get established). Request no substitutions Depending upon your area and type of clover, it can reach up to six inches in height or more (but usually a lot lower than that) before it stops growing. Some clover seed comes encased in inoculant. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are important, however, so choose a fertilizer with a low nitrogen component in favor of P and K. If you are establishing a new lawn, prepare your soil several weeks in advance by removing weeds, stones, and other debris. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Next, rake the soil as flat as possible. You wont experience any weed problems with clover either, since it will choke out every other plant nearby. 1995-2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Blooming clover is also very attractive (and beneficial) to bees! In some cases, bee populations can increase drastically due to your clover, so if this becomes a problem, you may reconsider keeping a clover lawn. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. Allowing your clover to flower and go to seed will help maintain your clover lawn year after year. Change).
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