- What is clover?<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of planting clover<\/a>
- 1. Reduces erosion<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Reduces weeds<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Fixes nitrogen<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Creates green manure<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Low maintenance<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Good for the environment<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Edible<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Can be used as a living mulch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Disadvantages of planting clover<\/a><\/li>
- Common types of clover<\/a><\/li>
- How to plant clover<\/a>
- If you have existing clover…<\/a><\/li>
- How to plant clover from seed<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is clover?<\/span><\/h2>
Clover made its way to North America from Europe in the late 1600s. It\u2019s classified as a legume and is a member of the pea family. It is used worldwide, and there are more than 300 species growing across the globe. <\/p>
In addition to being a cover crop, clover is frequently grown to be harvested and used as hay or forage for livestock. Clover attracts plenty of bees, which can result in the production of clover honey<\/a>. Clover also attracts wildlife such as deer, turkey, and rabbits. <\/p>
Clover wasn\u2019t always considered a weed, and it’s not all bad. Clover seed used to be a standard element of grass seed mixes before broadleaf weed herbicides were invented in the 1950s. <\/p>
Benefits of planting clover<\/span><\/h2>
![\"field](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_514627902_9bc71c1aa8_c.jpg\")
yoppy | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> There are numerous benefits of planting clover<\/strong> in your backyard.<\/p>
1. Reduces erosion<\/span><\/h3>
Have a sloping section of your yard? Planting clover can help keep the soil intact and prevent runoff pollution<\/strong>. Clover roots are fibrous and go much deeper than many people expect \u2014 sometimes up to 2 feet deep. These deep roots help keep the soil and its nutrients intact through heavy wind, rain, and other natural elements. <\/p>
Clover\u2019s long roots also help the plant bring nutrients up from deep regions of the soil. <\/p>
2. Reduces weeds<\/span><\/h3>
Clover is a very hardy and resilient plant due to its dense root structure. This, in combination with its fast spread, makes it easy for clover to smother other plants \u2014 including weeds. Clover\u2019s ability to out-compete harmful weeds reduces the time, energy, and money it takes to manage weeds in your yard. It also allows you to have a beautiful backyard without worrying about the environmental costs of using herbicides. <\/p>
3. Fixes nitrogen<\/span><\/h3>
Clover and other members of the legume family hold a special quality that gives them great value as a ground cover: They put nitrogen back into the soil. This is known as nitrogen-fixing. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, clover can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is available for plants to use, with the help of Rhizobium <\/em>bacteria<\/a>. <\/p>
Get your soil tested to see what the nitrogen levels look like before deciding to plant clover. If your soil already boasts an abundance of nitrogen, adding even more nitrogen can slow plant growth and cause damage. You can tell if there\u2019s too much nitrogen if plant leaves turn dark green, leaves turn yellow, or leaves turn brown and seem burnt. <\/p>
4. Creates green manure<\/span><\/h3>
Clover can be used to create gree<\/a>n manure, which is made when you grow certain cover crops where you\u2019d typically like to incorporate manure and fertilizer and turn them into the soil while they\u2019re still green. Gardeners with established plots will usually plant cover crops and sow them in the spring so the garden beds are ready for summer produce. <\/p>
When clover decomposes, a lot of nitrogen is then put back into the soil, providing up to 200 pounds of fixed nitrogen<\/a> per acre of soil. This allows clover to heal nitrogen-deficient soil and reduces the need to use nitrogen-based fertilizers. <\/p>
5. Low maintenance<\/span><\/h3>
Want to reduce the amount of time you spend on lawn care? Clover checks the boxes for many of the characteristics of low-maintenance plants:<\/p>
- Drought-tolerant<\/li>
- Moisture-holding<\/li>
- Weed-preventing<\/a><\/li>
- Evergreen year-round<\/li>
- Doesn\u2019t need to be fertilized<\/li>
- Usually doesn\u2019t need to be mowed<\/li>
- Adds nutrients to the soil<\/li>
- Immune to pee patches from pets<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
If you plant it at a ratio of 1:4 (clover to grass), you eliminate the need to add synthetic fertilizer to your grass. Additionally, most clover doesn\u2019t need to be mowed. Some varieties might grow a bit taller but will not need to be mowed as frequently as turfgrass. <\/p>
6. Good for the environment<\/span><\/h3>
Traditional grass lawns are not always the best choice for the environment. Many popular turfgrass species are not native to the region where they are grown, which is why they tend to be more challenging to take care of. Clover is a wonderful grass alternative<\/a> that is not only easy to care for, but by planting it you\u2019ll be giving back to the environment.<\/p>
Clover is attractive to honeybees and other pollinators, many of which are under environmental threat due to habitat loss<\/a>. By planting clover instead of grass, you\u2019re providing bees and other pollinators a home to buzz around in. Clover also attracts insects that prey on harmful insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps. This will reduce your need to use pesticides on your lawn. <\/p>
If you\u2019re a farmer or own any livestock, clover is a great source of protein for your animals. It is extremely beneficial in helping animals digest their food. It also can be used in a feed mix for birds, such as chickens and geese. If you\u2019re an animal lover, but don\u2019t have any livestock of your own, planting clover may attract native wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and foxes.<\/p>
7. Edible<\/span><\/h3>
Feeling hungry? When you have a clover yard you can go right outside and forage ingredients for a fresh salad. Yes, clover is edible – both the leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are high in protein and are a decent source of vitamins. Brew them into a tea<\/a> or toss them with other veggies for a fresh salad<\/a>. <\/p>
Clover can be used to help treat:<\/p>
- Cancer<\/li>
- Cardiovascular issues<\/li>
- Menopause<\/li>
- Osteoporosis<\/li><\/ul>
8. Can be used as a living mulch<\/span><\/h3>
If you want to keep weeds out of your garden and invite pollinators, consider planting clover as a cover crop or living mulch. Clover works best as a living mulch around cool-season crops. Make sure to use a low-growing annual clover such as Crimson clover so it won\u2019t compete with your fruits, flowers, and veggies. <\/p>
There are a few things to be careful of when using clover as a mulch:<\/p>
- Competition:<\/strong> If it seems that the clover is overcrowding your garden bed, feel free to trim it or tear it out.<\/li>
- Smothering<\/strong>: Don\u2019t plant it as a mulch near shallow-rooted plants, their dense roots will restrict the root growth of other plants.<\/li>
- Disease<\/strong>: Clover is beneficial for maintaining moisture, but this can become a problem during wet seasons if the plant restricts airflow. This can lead to increased threats of disease. <\/li><\/ul>
Disadvantages of planting clover<\/span><\/h2>
Clover is a wonderful option for homeowners across the country, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Before you go out and buy some clover seed, take into consideration the few disadvantages of the lucky ground cover:<\/p>
- Not as durable: <\/strong>Homeowners with active kids or pets might want to consider mixing in clover with their regular grass seed so their lawn can remain hardy against foot traffic. <\/li>
- Beware if you have bee allergies: <\/strong>Clover is a favorite of our friend the bumblebee, which might not be ideal if you or a family member has a serious bee allergy. <\/li>
- Needs more frequent re-seeding:<\/strong> A pure clover yard will likely need more frequent re-seeding than grassy lawns. They are typically re-seeded once every three years.<\/li>
- Might not suit your visual taste:<\/strong> Compared to a traditional grass lawn<\/a>, clover can be more patchy, lumpy, and uneven.<\/li>
- Invasive: <\/strong>Clover can be invasive to gardens, but this can be prevented by placing a barrier between your garden and the yard. Seed your clover in the early spring \u2014 if some clover creeps over into your garden, turn it into green manure. <\/li><\/ul>
Common types of clover<\/span><\/h2>
![\"two](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_349260571_5c969cb250_c.jpg\")
Timo Tervo | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> The three types of clover that are popular among homeowners include:<\/p>
- White clover:<\/strong> This is the most common type found in lawns because it is quick-growing, fast-spreading, and low-growing. Mixes well with Kentucky bluegrass<\/strong> and perennial ryegrass<\/strong>. Dutch white clover and microclover are popular varieties.<\/li>
- Red clover:<\/strong> Taller and bushier than white clover, red clover best accompanies grass types such as tall fescue<\/strong>, orchardgrass<\/strong>, dallisgrass<\/strong>, bahiagrass<\/strong>, and Bermudagrass.<\/strong><\/li>
- Strawberry clover:<\/strong> Similar to white clover, but better suited for areas near rivers and coasts. Has a high tolerance to salinity and flooding.<\/li><\/ul>
White clover, red clover, and strawberry clover are all perennials, meaning if the conditions are right they will regrow each year. They are very popular because of this, in addition to the fact that they are low-growing. <\/p>
Other types of clover, especially annuals, are more popular among farmers who use the plant for pastures and foraging. Some other perennial varieties are better used for vast fields, typically because the clover and its florets are tall. Here are other types of clover you might encounter: <\/p>
- Alsike clover:<\/strong> A perennial clover that is similar to white clover. Grows around 1 to 3 feet, commonly used for pastures. <\/li>
- Arrowleaf clover:<\/strong> A winter annual clover that\u2019s used for grazing, hay, and wildlife foraging. Grows up to 4 feet high with flowers ranging from white to pink. <\/li>
- Berseem clover:<\/strong> Also known as Egyptian clover, berseem is a summer or winter annual. It grows up to 4 feet high and has yellow clover flowers. And is typically used as a form of green manure. <\/li>
- Crimson clover:<\/strong> An annual clover commonly used to extend the grazing period for farm animals.<\/li>
- Ladino clover:<\/strong> A large variety of white clover. Often used for silage and hay.<\/li>
- Rose clover: <\/strong>An annual clover with a growth pattern similar to crimson clover. Often used in pastures and as a vineyard cover crop. Produces lavender clover flowers.<\/li>
- Subterranean clover:<\/strong> An annual winter clover commonly used in pastures in Oregon and Northern California. Produces white flowers.<\/li><\/ul>
How to plant clover<\/span><\/h2>
Pure clover yards are suggested for lawns that experience light foot traffic. If you have kids or pets, consider including clover seeds in your grass mix. A grass-clover lawn can provide many of the benefits of clover and stay durable against heavy foot traffic.<\/p>
If you have existing clover…<\/span><\/h3>
If you already have clover patches in your yard, you can encourage that existing lawn patch to grow by avoiding using herbicides that kill broadleaf weeds. Mowing with blades set between 1.5-2 inches also will help encourage clover growth since that height is considered low for most traditional grasses.<\/p>
How to plant clover from seed<\/span><\/h3>
The best time to seed is from mid-March to mid-April. Clover does not need to be planted deeply, sprinkling or raking in the seeds gets the job done. If you have a shady lawn, you\u2019ll want to use twice the amount of seed to promote full growth. Mist with water daily<\/strong> until you see the clover sprouting up.<\/p>
Avoid mowing during the summer to allow the clover florets to bloom and produce seeds.<\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>Mix clover seed with soil, sawdust, or sand for a better chance that the seeds will sow evenly.<\/p>
Need a hand incorporating clover into your yard? Today\u2019s your lucky day! Reach out to a <\/em>lawn care expert<\/em><\/a> near you to lend a hand with all your landscaping needs. <\/em><\/p>
Main Photo Credit: Lisa Padilla | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- Arrowleaf clover:<\/strong> A winter annual clover that\u2019s used for grazing, hay, and wildlife foraging. Grows up to 4 feet high with flowers ranging from white to pink. <\/li>
- Red clover:<\/strong> Taller and bushier than white clover, red clover best accompanies grass types such as tall fescue<\/strong>, orchardgrass<\/strong>, dallisgrass<\/strong>, bahiagrass<\/strong>, and Bermudagrass.<\/strong><\/li>
- Beware if you have bee allergies: <\/strong>Clover is a favorite of our friend the bumblebee, which might not be ideal if you or a family member has a serious bee allergy. <\/li>
- Smothering<\/strong>: Don\u2019t plant it as a mulch near shallow-rooted plants, their dense roots will restrict the root growth of other plants.<\/li>
- Competition:<\/strong> If it seems that the clover is overcrowding your garden bed, feel free to trim it or tear it out.<\/li>
- How to plant clover from seed<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
- 2. Reduces weeds<\/a><\/li>
- Benefits of planting clover<\/a>