We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Clover was actually used widely in home lawns before the 1950s when broadleaf weed herbicides were introduced, according to Pennsylvania State Universitys Department of Plant Science. There are advantages and disadvantages to its use: Microclover can be included as a component of lawns, but there is no current research that supports its successful useexclusivelyas a groundcover orlawn alternativein Maryland. Your email address will not be published. Do you know of any front lawns or parks using exclusively micro clover? But with so many people stuck on the idea that grass lawns are the ultimate goal in life, it is difficult to get die-hards to make the switch. Try to plant your seed before a gentle rain. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? As the seedlings sprout and grow, the clover will expand further and further into the grass. Clover is primarily used as a legume component in grazing systems and cover crops as it provides forage diversity and fixes nitrogen as well. Is the presence of micro clover in your lawn a gardening delight or a gardening fail? This is particularly true with so many droughts happening nowadays I wouldnt be surprised if everyone switched to micro clover as a result. Arrowleaf/grass mixtures should be grazed enough to prevent the clover seedlings from being shaded by the grass. The seed can germinate at lower temperatures than most annuals. Stacy Tornio has authored more than 15 books about animals, nature, and gardening. Keep some seeds left behind in case you have to fill any holes after the fact. Micro clover also works well in . For this method, all you have to do is toss out seeds and water them, just as you would with grass seed. White clover is best suited to soils which have good moisture holding ability. In the case of many annual clovers, much of the seed produced in spring or early summer will germinate in the autumn of that year, but some may lie dormant until subsequent years. You can attempt to overseed an established lawn with micro clover by raking the lawn well, and scratching the surface a bit. Instead, prevent weeds from colonizing your lawn by starting with clean, nutritious soil at the correct pH. Rose clover produces many hard seeds, and reseeding is often good. I did not water at all this summer(too many other things to do). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. - Ask Extension. While dog urine can discolor most grasses, clover isnt affected by it and will remain green and attractive. My question is whether there is true a difference in Miniclover as opposed to Dutch White Clover? "Trifolium repens." However, I live 20 minutes North of Boston and this year my BBU grass was turned into straw. 9. Thus, once a decision has been made as to which clover species to plant, selection of the most suitable variety can mean the difference between good and poor results, University variety trial reports are the best sources of unbiased variety information. (Clover will naturally spread over time, so you may not need to try too hard to get more of it.). It acts as its own natural fertilizer! The primary clovers used in lawns are strawberry, white and red, most of which grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10. Thanks for the time, Soil conditions, expected climatic conditions, and grower objectives are important factors influencing which clovers will be the correct one(s) to plant in a particular situation. Clover seed is highly affordable. Reviewed by Dr. Mark J. Carroll, Director, Environmental Science & Policy Program, University of Maryland, April 2019. If this is too unpredictable, watering the space lightly after broadcasting the seed is recommended. Plus, who doesnt want the opportunity to look for a four-leaf clover? 3) Clover is not durable enough for high-traffic areas. More recently, however, gardeners have sought out clover for use in lawns for several reasons: It fixes nitrogen into the soil, thus requiring less fertilizer; it thrives in shady or poorly drained soil, unlike conventional lawns; and its drought-resistant, remaining a nice, cool green in even the hottest climates. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Also, since Microclover tolerates lower mowing heights than the regular type, it can be incorporated into almost any existing lawncare practice. It has tiny leaves and fewer white flowers. And with the demand for Microclover outpacing the supply, prices are not expected to go down anytime soon. 5. It is one of the most tolerant clovers to drought and low fertility conditions. This one has smaller leaves and far fewer blooms, but it is a lot more tolerant to foot traffic and mowing. Microclover ( Trifolium repens L. var. Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more. Dont forget that there is an option to just dig up parts of your lawn if you so choose. Keep reading to learn more about clover lawns and whether or not its a viable option for your outdoor space. This nitrogen can enrich the surrounding soil and improve grass growth naturally. Mowing flowers off, however, negates the benefit of providing food and shelter for pollinators. The authors gratefully acknowledge reviews of this publication provided by: Dr.Gerald Evers and Dr. Ray Smith (Texas A & M University), Dr. Jimmy Henning (University of Kentucky), and Dr. Carl Hoveland (University of Georgia). Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription! Best Clover for Lawns | Lawn Model Here's how: Locate a mature plant that has an offshoot branched out from it. But you have to be 100% sure you want it (because if you dont, Im not sure youll ever get rid of it). One of the easier options for getting started is to add seeds to your existing space a little at a time. If another goal is to add more garden beds and spaces for flowers to a traditional lawn, remove chunks of your lawn to start fresh. Just remember that many weed and feed products will kill clover, so be careful when buying and applying fertilizer to your lawn. White clover and red clover are most commonly grown in combination with cool season perennial grasses such as tall fescue, orchardgrass, timothy, or smooth bromegrass. 4. Benefits of Having Microclover It was first developed in Denmark and Netherland to use on the golf course. While most plants appreciate some shade in the heat of summer, too much shade will cause microclover lawns to struggle. If you do go with Micro Clover youll definitely need to be careful about what you use for products because many weed killers kill clover, as do many weed and feed products. The florets range in color from white to pink. The showy crimson-colored blooms can provide a spectacular show in early to mid-spring. The blog editor at Eartheasy.com, Shannon lives on six acres of land with her husband, daughters, and backyard poultry flock. A clover yard only needs to be mowed a few times a year, as opposed to the weekly mowing required by most grass lawns. If you dont mow your clover very often, the plants will start to produce little white flowers that not only look super cute, but help the insects, too. If you decide to add some micro clover to your lawn, here are a few tips to ensure success: Ready to overseed your lawn with clover? Last year it was one of the most popular products at Natures Seed which, unfortunately, led to us selling out of this product early. View our Seasonal Sale, with Free Shipping over $99. Trifoli. First, lets start with the fact that clover fixes nitrogen in the soil (an incredibly important process that helps other nearby plants (and gardens) flourish. https://www.naturesseed.com/skin/frontend/naturesfinest/vstyle/images/logo.png. This one has smaller leaves and far fewer blooms, but it is a lot more tolerant to foot traffic and mowing. This is especially true with warm season grasses being grown on droughty soils. While the shady parts will grow at a slower rate than the rest of the lawn, it wont do as poorly as grass does when not given enough light. Thats because clover grass is drought-tolerantyet it might stay green year-round, even in northern hardiness zones. Shelley has been writing and editing garden stories for 10 years, and has a Master Gardeners certificate in Oregon. Hopefully, I have covered most everything. Think of it like buying a dog from a shelter versus buying a designer toy dog from a breeder. Benefits of Miniclover versus White Dutch Clover? : r/NoLawns - Reddit Yes, definitely. In fact, most herbicides kill clover, so they should be avoided. Microclover is more drought tolerant and needs less fertilizer and mowing than most lawn grasses. If youre simply wanting to thicken up an established lawn with micro clover then you can treat it the same way you would with regular grass mow it when it looks like it needs it. Though widely adapted, it is best suited to soils which have good moisture-holding ability. Most clover varieties grow to a height of 2-8 inches. There are many clover lawn options to choose from. Some of the delicate seeds will get caught in the grass blades and never make it to the ground. One of clovers few downsides is that it stains clothing more than turf. Its the most popular clover seed for lawns, but it can also be planted as a perennial cover crop, ground cover, or for erosion control. Combined with the fact that clover requires little in the way of watering, mowing, and pest control, clover lawn seed can be an economical option compared to many traditional grass varieties. Though widely adapted, it is best suited to soils which have good moisture-holding ability. Drought Resistant: with its deep roots, micro clover is much more tolerant to drought than most grasses and will remain green even when the rest of the lawn turns brown. Now, however, savvy gardeners know that clover can enhance a home lawn and has uses far beyond providing good grazing pasture land for animals. Wait a week after seeding before fertilizing with organic, pelletized chicken manure. University of Maryland Extension. Should I rip up the lawn next year and start over with a blend of grass seed and microclover? Micro Clover. Nitrogen from rainwater and granular fertilizer penetrates the soil and feeds your grass. Everything You Need To Know About Clover Lawns - Treehugger Im in New England with very sandy soil on my lot, so periods of drought can be tough on my yard too. support your yards soil by top-dressing it with compost, Sundays Lucky Lawn clover and grass seed blend, This is my top recommendation for raw or uncoated micro clover seeds, What to Do When - Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, When to Plant Grass Seed (in every state & growing region), Best Spring Lawn Fertilizer (greenest lawn on the block), Spurge Weed Identification (+ how to kill it in your lawn), The Disadvantages of Zero Turn Mowers (that nobodys talking about), Buy 100% micro clover seed with no fillers (. 2. 8. Due to its low growth profile, it's considered one of the best clovers for lawns. Today, for everyone who says that clover is a weed, you will hear another homeowner explain why theyre turning to a micro clover lawn or a blend of micro clover with more traditional turf grasses. So, without further adieu, here are some reasons why you might want (or might not want) to grow a micro clover lawn. Adding seeds a little bit at a time is a convenient way to get your clover lawn started. Thus, a stand of a perennial clover may contain recently established plants that are less than a year old as well as plants that are more than a year old. Increasing nectar sources for pollinating insects like bees will improve our ecosystem at large. Again, I dont know for sure whats causing this in your yard, but since you said this happened in the second season, thats my best guess. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Thats anecdotal, but its a very specific observation I had looking at three different cool-season options in my neighborhood (though its worth pointing out that the micro-clover wasnt fully established yet, and was in its first year still performed very well). Can I mow full size Dutch White and have the same results as Miniclover would offer? Pirouette), Friedrich (Klimpi) Loosli (Klimperator) / EyeEm / Getty Images, A Regional Guide to Cover Crops to Banish the Bare Ground, 11 Edible Ground Cover Plants for Backyards and Gardens, The 20 Best Evergreen Shrubs for a Perfect Garden, 13 Best Examples of Cover Crops for Your Small Farm, Growing Guide for Daphne Odora: Plant Care Tips and Varieties, The Best Organic Potting Soil for All Your Gardening Needs, the harmful effects of using pesticides on lawns. Consequently,when planting decisions are made it is important to have in mind the traits of various clovers and then take care to select the one(s) best suited to the situation. Mixes well with turf-type tall fescue (and Kentucky bluegrass) and provides a uniform appearance; Provides an organic source of nitrogen (in grass clippings and as it decays) to support turfgrass growth; may reduce one nitrogen application per year; Does not tolerate high heat and drought; starts to die when cool-season turfgrass enters dormancy in the summer; requires reseeding for persistence; Top growth dies back in the winter which can leave bare spots and lead to erosion; Seeds are expensive and not readily available in retail stores; Most broadleaf herbicides labeled for use on tall-fescue will kill microclover; Bees attracted to the flowers may be undesirable for people with bee sting allergies; Southern blight disease can be a problem occasionally in prolonged periods of high humidity and high nighttime temperatures. This means it keeps your lawn looking greener and lusher throughout the spring and summer. For folks with reservations about mixing clover into their grass lawn, Microclover is more acceptable visually. Ten minutes of the sprinkler twice a day is sufficient, but water according to your needs (and your local climate). Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. To keep the clover, you will have to keep the less desirables as well. And by keeping your lawn covered with this versatile, low-maintenance plant, you're actually doing a small part to protect the environment. If you plant too late in the fall, it might not germinate till next spring. A full-blown stand of micro clover requires between 2 and 5 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet of lawn. 6. Thus, there are situations in which use of an annual clover with perennial grass is preferable. Save 12% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK2023. They also have a less aggressive clump-forming habit. Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to get your clover lawn exactly what it needs to thrive. Crimson clover makes more growth during cool weather than most clovers and is the earliest-maturing commonly grown clover species. Microclover is a variation of white clover. Portland landscaper, Max Floyd of Earth, Water & Wood, recommends mixing micro clover with dwarf fescues for an easy care option. But be sure to give your new micro clover a four-week grace period before exposing it to traffic to help it develop a solid root system. Berseem Clover Berseem clover is an annual which bears a superficial resemblance to alfalfa. Gently rake in the seed for an even distribution and good soil contact. 1) Is Trifolium repens L. var. At present, the seed can be somewhat costly for large areas, but homeowners can get around this by blending with grasses and other plants (see below). I happen to be in Winnipeg a well! If planted in autumn, most growth occurs in mid-spring. Pirouette the same as micro clover? The most commonly used perennial clovers in the United States are white clover and red clover. Whether it be the latest designer Microclover or good ol standard white Dutch clover, youll be doing your lawn a favor either way. All Rights Reserved | Home | About, We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. All trademarks are either the property of Central Garden & Pet Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated and/or related companies or the property of their respective owners. In many areas red clover plants can live for 2 years (and occasionally longer), but in the lower South it often acts as an annual. Traditional clover otherwise known as White Clover or Dutch clover in your lawn could be a signal that your grass is starving. It is a great quality micro clover seed mixed with fescue that blends seamlessly with most lawns. All clover is considered a legume capable of turning atmospheric nitrogen gas into an organic form of nitrogen. Redclover can be more of a tender plant compared to other clovers. Prevent anyone from walking on the seeds for at least four weeks after sowing so that the plants have a chance of establishing themselves. To learn more visit the following pages:Advertising Policy |Privacy Policy, Get My FREE Cheat-Sheet and Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care. While the supply still hasnt caught up to the demand, we were able to source a limited supply for the 2020 growing season and are happy to say its back in stock. Diseases are rare with microclover, though soggy, brown patches may indicate Southern blight, a disease occurring in hot, moist climates. I recommend looking for Trifolium repens var. Growing a clover lawn supports bees and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Visit our product page for more information about microclover blends and natural lawn care. Start by determining the square footage of the area you . All clovers have deep roots, which helps keep lawns green during dry, hot spells, and they all fix nitrogen, meaning that they work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert nitrogen from the air and transfer it into the soil. Theyre both dogs, but youre going to pay a lot more for the cute miniature version thats been specially bred. No Mowing: as mentioned above, micro clover doesnt require mowing, and if you do choose to mow, it doesnt have to be as often as a grass lawn. However, success in obtaining reseeded stands varies depending on environmental conditions at seed maturation. While green lawns will turn yellow from dog pee, clover laws stay as green and lush as ever. In fact, microclover will grow more densely and produce smaller leaves the more frequently it is mowed, which is ideal if you want a traditional green lawn look. The leaves of micro clover are twice as small as those of white clover, and if you mow the lawn, the leaves regrow even smaller! Although it can be quite productive, ball clover has a shorter growing season and often yields less than other commonly grown annual clovers.It is a prolific seed producer even under high stocking rates, and a high percentage of the seed are hard seed. Some are more tolerant of certain climatic conditions, soil conditions, and/or management regimes than others. Clover also attracts beneficial insects, including pollinators, and wildlife such as rabbits, so avoid applying pesticides on clover out of caution. The sowing rate for a new lawn is 1 to 2 pounds for 1,000 square feet. Strawberry Clover Vs. Microclover: How Are They Different? - Den Residence As mentioned previously, micro clover is not right for everyone. Rake to ensure a fine, even surface, then seed using a seed spreader, reserving some seed to fill in any gaps that develop after germination. It seems to be pretty popular amongst grazers. Red Clover Red clover has excellent seedling vigor and larger seed than white clover, which facilitates drilling it into existing grass pastures. They both produce small white flowers, have three leaves (unless you're lucky enough to find one with four), and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and share it with the plants around them. This is one reason why clover does so well when mixed with grass. Should I plant a ground cover such as Creeping thyme or Snow in summer? It is said the Miniclover is a dwarf variety of Dutch White, but will revert to full size if not mowed. Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. White clover is one of the most nutritious forages available. With a less invasive clump-forming habit, the microclover tends to have a lower growth rate, fewer flowers, and smaller leaves. So if you make a lot of use out of your backyard, playing sports and roughing around on the lawn, you might want to consider grass instead. It is also perfect for being planted between paving stones, and looks great, too. The first step to forgiving yourself for having clover in your yard is understanding why it is there and then deciding if its benefits outweigh your pride.