What is the best Clover for a ground cover?
The dwarf white clover (Trifolium repens) is an ideal clover for use as a groundcover. It grows just 3 to 6 inches tall with a spreading, mat-forming growth habit.
Is white clover a good weed cover?
Once established, white clover serves as an excellent weed cover. The large root system and biomass production, plus the fact that white clover competes well in adverse conditions, will hardly inhibit weed growth.
What are the benefits of white clover for the environment?
The extensive root system and ground cover capabilities of white clover keep soil from running off, keeping key nutrients in place. White clover is also used to help increase soil health because of its erosion protection and nitrogen fixation.
Does white clover need fertilizer?
White clover performs best in evenly moist soil. It tolerates dry ground but will not spread as much. This can actually be a good thing if you are concerned about the plant spreading out of control. This highly useful ground cover is a nitrogen-fixer and therefore does not need to be fertilized. This saves you time, effort, and money.
How fast does white clover spread?
In favorable conditions, Dutch White Clover can reseed itself and spread. How fast it does depends on the soil and growing conditions. Depending on how much Dutch White Clover you want in your lawn, you may need to reseed it in 3-4 years.
Can I just throw clover seed on the ground?
Planting Clover You can plant clover by itself for ground cover, but it stands up better to foot traffic when combined with lawn grass. Only 5 to 10% by weight of tiny clover seed needs to be mixed with the recommended amount of grass seed to create a thick stand.
Does white clover spread on its own?
White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a short-lived perennial that can reseed itself under favorable conditions, grows rapidly, and spreads via stolons.
Does white clover choke out weeds?
White clover is the most well-known clover in the U.S. It's a low-growing, rapid spreader that easily outcompetes weeds and thrives in poor soil. It also produces attractive white flowers that pollinators adore.
Why do people not like clover in lawns?
Drawbacks of a Clover Lawn Difficult to remove clover stains from clothing; Doesn't hold up to heavy foot traffic by itself, though clover mixed with grass provides a tough turf; As a short-lived perennial may need to be replanted every three years, especially if it does not self-sow or spread; Bee allergy concerns.
What are the disadvantages of growing clover?
Disadvantages of CloverClover stains clothing more easily than grass.Clover is not durable enough for playing fields or high traffic areas, unless mixed with grass.Clover is a short-lived perennial and may require reseeding every 2–3 years to maintain an even stand in pure clover lawns. ... Clover attracts bees.
Does white clover come back every year?
Clover species can be either annuals or perennials. Once established, perennial clover comes back reliably, making it more suitable as a ground cover than annual species that usually need reseeding each year.
How long does white clover last?
It has been estimated that a white clover plant and its various branches usually can live for up to 20 years, but that some may survive for more than 100 years.
When should I plant white clover?
The proper time of seeding is determined by seasonal and moisture conditions. In most areas, this may vary from early April to mid May. Late summer and fall seedings should only be conducted when site is irrigated and when at least six weeks of growing season remain to assure establishment before freezing conditions.
Is white clover toxic to dogs?
A: All clovers have been noted as being potentially poisonous to pets if they constantly graze. Chemicals used on grass are also harmful.
Does mowing spread clover?
With a thick grass coverage, eliminating empty areas or patches, the space needed for white clover to germinate and spread is unavailable. When mowing, leaving lawns higher rather than short cropped grass, makes it so that light is unable to reach the seeds. white clover thrives in nitrogen-starved lawns.
Do clover lawns attract snakes?
You also want to avoid these altogether, as they have been known to attract snakes: Star jasmine vine. Beds of clover. Flowerbeds with heavy mulch.
Can you throw and grow clover?
Clover doesn't need to be buried deep in the ground, so even just top seeding (throwing seed on top of the ground) will still yield a decent crop if managed well. This makes clover PERFECT for the small, poor-man-plots that have become so common.
Will clover take over grass?
Clover can take over areas of your lawn where grass is thinning or has turned brown. The fix: Regularly aerating your lawn loosens your soil and gives grass roots room to breathe and nutrients to thrive. With grass growing strong, there won't be bare spots for clover to infiltrate.
How do you prepare ground for planting clover?
Mow your grass at a low setting and gently raking out any built-up thatch. Then mix seed with sand, sawdust, fine compost, or soil, to make even distribution easier. Broadcast seeds over the planting area.
Can I plant clover instead of grass?
If you are in a cooler region then clover can be planted as a lawn substitute. Clover is not as hardy as grass to foot traffic, but otherwise has its advantages such as low maintenance.
What is white clover?
White clover ( Trifolium repens) is a low-growing perennial commonly found in lawns. People are generally unaware of its presence until it puts out small, white flowers, in late spring, which attract bees . The foliage is trifoliate, giving it its genus name, meaning "having a three-part leaf".
What is the most attractive variety of white clover?
White Clover (Trifolium Repens) Varieties. In addition to the wild plant, improved varieties of Trifolium repens include: ' Dragon's Blood': maybe the most attractive variety of white clover, bearing tricolored leaves (green, red, and white)
What is the botanical name for white clover?
It was traditionally added to grass-seed mixes for use in lawns where grass, by itself, failed to give good coverage. Botanical Name. Trifolium repens. Common Name. White clover. Plant Type. Herbaceous perennial. Mature Size.
What is the spreading of white clover?
The result is that new roots are put down, essentially forming new plants. White clover is thought of as a weed by some homeowners.
Is white clover a weed?
Featured Video. White clover is thought of as a weed by some homeowners. Indeed, this member of the pea family is considered invasive in some parts of North America. It has naturalized across much of the continent, not only in lawns but also in meadows and along roadsides.
Is white clover good for honeybees?
This is part of what makes it an appealing choice in many garden landscapes, providing you are willing to overlook it's spreading tendencies. It is a major food source for honeybees.
Do you need to fertilize ground cover?
Fertilizer. This highly useful ground cover is a nitrogen-fixer and therefore does not need to be fertilized. This saves you time, effort, and money. Take this fact into account if you are landscaping on a budget. White clover is also a popular crop for overwintering in the vegetable garden.
What is the best zone for red clover?
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 and warmer. In areas with hot summers, red clover grows as a cool-season annual that dies back in summer. These clovers are more often grown, and better suited, as a cover crop in gardens and on farmland and as forage crops for livestock than as ornamental groundcovers. They grow 1 to 3 feet tall with a leggy growth habit not well suited as an effective groundcover. Red clover is also considered highly invasive in some areas.
What is the benefit of clover?
Clover belongs to the legume plant family (Fabaceae), and, like other legumes, clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, actively increasing the nutrient levels in the garden. Perennial clover varieties create a fast-growing, dense web of roots and plant material over disturbed soil, keeping it in place.
What zone does clover grow in?
Perennial clover grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10, depending on the species. Growing clover in between other plants and flowers in your garden is a perfect substitute when you're looking for an easy groundcover selection. As an added benefit, clover is a drought-resistant plant and can grow in low fertility ...
How tall does a dwarf white clover grow?
Dwarf White Clover. The dwarf white clover (Trifolium repens) is an ideal clover for use as a groundcover. It grows just 3 to 6 inches tall with a spreading, mat-forming growth habit. White dwarf clover will grow both in sun and part shade. This perennial clover grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 10.
How tall does a red clover grow?
They grow 1 to 3 feet tall with a leggy growth habit not well suited as an effective groundcover. Red clover is also considered highly invasive in some areas.
Why do we need groundcovers?
But a groundcover is more than just visual; it also helps reduce weeds that would thrive in bare soil , and the groundcover helps slow evaporation and keep more moisture in the soil . Disturbed, bare soil on slopes or hillsides is unstable, but a groundcover like clover can help support the soil and slow erosion.
Is clover a groundcover?
Is Clover an Alternative Groundcover? Some clovers (Trifolium spp.) work well as a groundcover, making them a suitable alternative to other low-growing groundcover perennials. Select slow-spreading, low-growing perennial clover varieties to use as a groundcover in the garden.
Why do farmers use clover in lawns?
(source: Kelly Burke, thespruce.com) That was the norm for lawns at the time. Farmers intentionally sowed clover because it grabs high nitrogen from the air and transports it into the soil, which benefits grass.
What is a micro clover?
The one we’re discussing here is commonly known as “ micro-clover ” (trifolium repens), a mini version of Dutch white clover. Its soft stems make it cushy under bare feet. And it blends in well with grass, too. Clover fills in the gaps to provide a solid sea of green for a pleasing aesthetic.
Can clover be planted in bare patches?
If you’ve got some bare patches, or an area with poor soils where you’d rather have a little green, clover might just do the trick. If you’d like to experiment first, seed a small patch in the backyard and see what you think.
Does white clover grow to a certain height?
When it comes to a lower maintenance lawn, clover can, admittedly, be a strong selling point. It only grows to a certain height and then stops, which means less mowing. The white clover (micro-clover) still produces a flower, although fewer flowers than other varieties of clover. Flowers can be pretty, and they smell nice, but if you don’t like the look, just mow ’em down right before blooming.
Does clover need more water than grass?
Some suggest clover needs as much or more water than grass lawns. As for being drought resistant, that part is true. But clover doesn’t do all that well in super hot, dry climates, preferring shade or partly shady conditions. Also, clover is a short-lived perennial.
How deep does a white clover plant grow?
Interesting White Clover Factoids: Initial taproot may grow to 3 feet deep. Regenerates itself both by seed and by spreading vegetative growth. Grows on a range of soils, but better on clay and loam than on sand. Decent tolerance of shade, heat, flooding, and drought (all important here in Seattle).
What bugs are in the clover?
Susceptible to potato leafhopper, meadow spittlebug, clover leaf weevil, alfalfa weevil, and lygus bug. Slugs will also attack white clover.
What does less weeding do to a raised bed?
Less Weeding: It will prevent most weeds and grasses from forming on the walls of the raised bed
Does clover help with soil?
Improves Soil Tilth: Clover’s root system improves friability of soil almost immediately. Attracts Pollinators: Clover attracts bees, who will hopefully stick around and pollinate my fruiting vegetables as well as my nearby fruit trees & bushes. ( These 6 reasons are also a great example of the permaculture concept of stacking functions – more on ...
Can white clover seeds germinate?
If the seeds dry out or sit in the sun to bake, they won’t germinate well. In my picture, you can see the seeds that fell into soil cracks were the only ones that performed well. White Clover Seeds Germinating – You can see that the seeds that fell into cracks in the soil were much more likely to start.
Does clover get nitrogen?
In the meantime, all of the area covered with clover will be getting a dose of nitrogen and will be relatively protected from weeds. Also, I mentioned in my post on raised beds that much of my current garden bed soil will eventually be moved around. When that happens, the clover will get mixed in as a normal cover crop would, ...
Is clover better than grass?
I personally like the appearance of clover better than grass. Clover does have aggressive tendencies: it spreads quickly and can block out other growth. My clover will be used in a place where it is surrounded by a wood chip pathway on one side, and a garden bed on the other. If the clover gets into the garden bed, that’s OK with me. I can always pull back the area of clover where I want a plant to be and then plant. In the meantime, all of the area covered with clover will be getting a dose of nitrogen and will be relatively protected from weeds.
How to prevent white clover from growing?
As mentioned previously, it is best to prevent the invasion of white clover by maintaining ideal growing conditions and using a 3-inch mulch layer to block weed development. White clover is a perennial weed that can emerge from both seeds and stolons.
Where does white clover come from?
White clover is native to Europe and Asia. However, it is found throughout the continental United States. It is popular for livestock grazing, soil improvement, erosion control, and was once used in lawn seed mixes.
How to treat weeds in a garden before planting?
Chemical Control: Lastly, a post-emergent herbicide can be used to treat the garden plot before planting. For best control, wait about a week for the grass and weeds to die in the garden site before tilling. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that can be applied to the garden plot 7 to 10 days before planting. Crop sensitivity may vary, so always read the label before applying the herbicide. Glyphosate is most effective when weeds are actively growing, so do not apply during extreme heat, cold, or drought conditions. For examples of products containing glyphosate in homeowner sizes, please see the list under “Chemical Control in Lawns.”
How to prevent weeds in lawn?
Cultural Control: Maintaining the health and density of home lawns is the best method for preventing weed problems. Proper mowing height, weekly irrigation, and fertilization of the turfgrass are the best defense against weeds. Test the soil for proper lime and fertilizer applications. For more information on these topics, see the following fact sheets: HGIC 1201, Fertilizing Lawns; HGIC 1205, Mowing Lawns; HGIC 1207, Watering Lawns; and HGIC 1652, Soil Testing.
How many florets does a savanna have?
White flowers (often tinged with pink) appear in early summer. The flower heads consist of 40 to 80 florets (individual flowers) in a cluster measuring ½ to 1 ½ inches in diameter. It reproduces by seed and by creeping stolons.
What is a low growing plant with creeping stems?
It is a low-growing plant with creeping stems (stolons) that produce roots and shoots at nodes (joints) along the stem, which helps the plant to spread. It has trifoliate leaves which consist of 3 oval-shaped leaflets. There is usually a characteristic white, crescent-shaped band on each leaflet.
How to get rid of white clover?
If hand pulling is chosen, be sure to work when the soil is moist so roots of the white clover can be removed easily from the soil. Organic mulch (such as pine needles, old hay or grass clippings) can be used in the garden to help suppress white clover development.
How tall does white clover grow?
It requires little or no mowing. White clover grows just 2–8 inches tall and requires little or no mowing to keep it looking tidy. However, some homeowners may prefer to mow in midsummer in order to deadhead old blooms, neaten the appearance of the lawn, or to prevent it from blooming.
How much does clover seed cost?
Clover seed is extremely inexpensive. The average cost is about $4 per 4000 square feet. Homeowners who have been fighting it as a weed get it for free if they decide to stop fighting and let it grow. pinterest-pin-it.
What is the best type of lawn for a low traffic area?
In recent years, however, clover lawns have been experiencing a revival due to their many benefits and charms. There are two types: pure clover lawns, which are best for areas with low or moderate traffic, and mixed grass-clover lawns, which are best for playing fields and other high-traffic areas.
What is the best lawn weed killer?
One of the most popular lawn alternatives is white clover ( Trifolium repens ), also known as Dutch clover or Dutch white clover. Although many people consider it a weed, a healthy patch of it was considered a standard of excellence in lawn care until the 1950s, when people started using broadleaf herbicides to kill clover ...
Is clover grass better than traditional grass?
To summarize, a clover lawn is greener, healthier, easier, cheaper, and more ecological and environmentally-friendly than a traditional lawn. Some would argue that it's more beautiful, too.
Do you need to mowing a clover lawn?
Once established, most clovers are low-growing and require little or no mowing, unless you wish to discourage bees by mowing to prevent summer blooms. Never apply herbicides to a clover lawn. It is a short-lived perennial and may require reseeding approximately once every three years to maintain consistent coverage.
Does clover outcompete other weeds?
It out-competes other weeds. Anyone who has struggled to eradicate clover from a grass lawn can tell you how persistent it can be. It has a dense root structure that allows it to easily out-compete most other weeds and reduce the need for weeding and expensive herbicides.
Why do people choose clover grass?
But more importantly (and why many people choose clover), a clover lawn is easier to maintain and requires little resources like water, compost, or weeding.
What are the insects that clover attracts?
Clover blooms are not just pleasant to the human eye, but they will also attract pollinator insects, such as honeybees. Clover also attracts parasitoid wasps, which are tiny insects that are harmless to humans but feed on pests like aphids and whiteflies that can wreak havoc to your garden plants.
What is Dutch White Clover?
Dutch clover, or Dutch white clover, is a slow-growing perennial plant that belongs to the legume family.
How Do You Plant a Dutch White Clover Lawn?
When creating your Dutch white clover lawn, it is best to plant the seeds during late spring or early summer. This gives them a chance to grow before the cold season arrives.
How tall does a Dutch clover lawn grow?
A Dutch clover lawn requires little to no mowing to look tidy and presentable. I’ve found it will usually grow up to 4” high and blooms little white flowers if left uncut.
What leaves stand up to pets?
Clover leave s are tough and will stand up to your pets or kids playing or lounging on your lawn.
What is a micro clover?
Another clover variation used in lawn maintenance is micro-clover, which is a smaller version of Dutch white clover.
Why use white clover as a ground cover?
But perhaps the biggest advantage to using white clover as a ground cover in orchards and vineyards is its ability to fix nitrogen. Clover is a great source of natural fertilizer thanks to the relationship it shares with the soil bacteria Rhizobium trifolii. This bacteria attaches itself to the root nodules of legumes such as clover and “fixes” atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium. In fact, a healthy stand of white clover can fix between 100-170 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year. This can be especially valuable in organic operations where synthetic fertilizers are not used.
How tall does white clover grow?
White clover rarely grows more than a foot tall and, once established, performs well in the shade of an orchard/vineyard. Bees and other pollinators love clover and are attracted to its honey-scented blossoms. Clover is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and prefers regular moisture.
What grasses can be used as ground cover?
These perennial grasses, such as sheep fescue, can also be partnered with white clover to create a dense, vigorous ground cover. There are many other types of legumes and grasses, both annual and perennial, which can be used as living mulch and ground cover in orchards and vineyards.
What is the best ground cover for a garden?
One popular ground cover, or “living mulch”, is white Dutch clover. White Dutch clover is a great choice for orchard/vineyard floors. It’s persistent and widely adaptable to a variety of regions. Its dense, spreading root system offers excellent erosion control and weed suppression. White clover rarely grows more than a foot tall and, once established, performs well in the shade of an orchard/vineyard. Bees and other pollinators love clover and are attracted to its honey-scented blossoms. Clover is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and prefers regular moisture.
What grasses are good for orchards?
Perennial grasses are also a good choice for orchard/vineyard floor management, especially when supplemental irrigation is not possible. Sheep fescue is particularly valuable. Thanks to its low-growing habit, dense fibrous root system and low water requirements, sheep fescue is able to suppress weeds while minimizing its impact on surrounding trees and vines. It can be left unmowed or cut short to provide a more turf-like look. These perennial grasses, such as sheep fescue, can also be partnered with white clover to create a dense, vigorous ground cover.
