Mowing microclover is important because it encourages the plants to form their characteristic tight, miniature habit. Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. Lime where necessary, since microclover does best with a pH of 6 to 7. In general, it is considered a perennial crop, although some of its longevity may be attributed to its own reseeding capability. Where can I get true Microclover? Microclover ( Trifolium repens var. We all know that chemical fertilizers can run off during a heavy rain and end up in local water sources. Compared to white clover, a common part of lawns in the past, microclover has smaller leaves, grows lower to the ground, and doesn't grow in clumps. Clover is primarily used as a legume component in grazing systems and cover crops as it provides forage diversity and fixes nitrogen as well. These attract earthworms, which help keep the soil loose (and, therefore, in need of no aeration) and reduce thatch buildup. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There are two main questions to ask yourself before you begin: If you plan to seed micro clover into an existing lawn, be sure to mow close to the soil surface and aerate first. And with the demand for Microclover outpacing the supply, prices are not expected to go down anytime soon. Micro clover (trifolium repens var. For folks with reservations about mixing clover into their grass lawn, Microclover is more acceptable visually. Once you achieve the size and look youre going for, you can reduce mowing to as little as once per monthor mow weekly for tighter, lower growth and to control blossoming. Increasing nectar sources for pollinating insects like bees will improve our ecosystem at large. Sarahs blog, Lawn Chick, is read by over 2 million homeowners each year and she is regularly cited as an expert source of lawn care knowledge by major publications. Limiting nitrogen runoff is a goal of theMaryland Lawn Fertilizer Lawas part of broader efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Heres my privacy policy. But various websites, and comments from purchasers of a microclover on Amazon, say that their product can be much taller3-6 or more, as per Davids comment above. Plus, who doesnt want the opportunity to look for a four-leaf clover? The reason is that annual clovers, which must come from seed each year, have more difficulty becoming established due to competition from grasses and other plants (especially perennial plants) than do perennial clovers which already have a good root system established. 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. I recommend Sundays Lucky Lawn clover and grass seed blend. Gardeners can also benefit from adding clover seed during aeration, the process of loosening up compact soil to help it breathe. 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. White clover is tolerant of close grazing, which makes it a good choice for many pastures, but it is not well-suited for hay situations. 6. My next-door neighbor seeded micro-clover in his front lawn this spring with great results, and across the street from him I have a neighbor that laid bluegrass sod a few years ago. It is best adapted to medium and heavy textured soils with good moisture-holding capacity. However,the characteristics of clover species differ. It produces a high percentage of hard seed, which favors reseeding. The invention of the lawn mower, as well as planned communities designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (the designer of Central Park) and other landscape architects, further cemented the trend in the U.S. Micro clover is a smaller variety of White Clover. RELATED: 12 Ways to Be a Good Neighborto Your Backyard Wildlife. Because clover seed is so fine, it passes between blades of grass quite effectively, but sow 25% more seed than you would a bare lawn to account for those that dont penetrate to the soil level. 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. Prepared by Dr. Don Ball, Extension Agronomist/Alumni Professor (Auburn University) and Dr. Garry Lacefield, Extension Agronomist/Professor (University of Kentucky) on behalf of the Oregon Clover Commission, Salem, OR. Clover provides shade to the soil, reducing water evaporation, and helping grass survive periods of drought. Degree in Neuroscience, and is the owner and founder at Live Love Fruit. Microclover is not a miracle plant and it is not as "micro" as the name might suggest. Purchase a pre-mixed microclover lawn blend. Water two time daily to keep the soil surface wet for the first two weeks. That would also leave me hesitantabout its staying power as the primary stabilization tool without some grasses to help round things out. By itself, clover doesnt hold up well to repeated heavy foot traffic or playing fields, However, when blended with turfgrass, it can make a strong lawn and take occasional heavy traffic. White clover is a low-growing forage legume used predominantly in pasture mixtures with grasses. In most situations in which clover is to be grown with a perennial grass, it is preferable to use a perennial clover (if adapted) rather than an annual clover. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. They both produce small white flowers, have three leaves (unless youre lucky enough to find one with four), and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and share it with the plants around them. Water regularly to ensure your soil doesnt dry out. I have loamy soil with a neutral pH between 6 and 7. Before adding the seed, mow your lawn extra close to the soil surface. Get Free Access White Clover White clover, a true perennial, is the most widely-grown clover in the United States.Where adapted, individual plants often live for several years. 1. University of Maryland Turfgrass Technical Update, TT121, July 2015. https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/non_HGIC_FS/TT121%20Tall%20fescue%20microclover%20lawns.pdf, Implementing Best Management Practices to Reduce Runoff and Lawn Fertilizer Use. Using alternatives in your lawn can help address some of the issues that come with conventional turf, namely the use of herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, and huge amounts of water. Great for grazing. - Ask Extension. So, without further adieu, here are some reasons why you might want (or might not want) to grow a micro clover lawn. Benefits of Having Microclover It was first developed in Denmark and Netherland to use on the golf course. 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). Microclover is a variation of white clover. Bred for low height and small leaves, it can be used as a standalone ground cover or as 2% - 5% of a lawn mix. By Lori Lovely | Published Jun 21, 2022 10:53 PM. 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. It will help the seedlings establish quicker and stronger, help your lawn grow better, and benefit indoor plants. Traditional clover otherwise known as White Clover or Dutch clover in your lawn could be a signal that your grass is starving. One of clovers few downsides is that it stains clothing more than turf. Micro clovers are very soft and lush and when blooming, you will have a pleasant smell! It is a great quality micro clover seed mixed with fescue that blends seamlessly with most lawns. While you can find several varieties of clover, there are a few that are best for backyards and lawns. Even more alluring is the sweet smell that emanates from the flowers. Dont forget that there is an option to just dig up parts of your lawn if you so choose. Some of the delicate seeds will get caught in the grass blades and never make it to the ground. 1. This clover should be planted on well-drained soils. It acts as its own natural fertilizer! White clovers prefer soil within pH levels of 5.8 - 7.0. You dont have to tear up your grass lawn in order to grow a clover lawn. When planting a new lawn with micro clover, prepare the top 4 to 6 inches of your soil by tilling and adding compost. The seed can germinate at lower temperatures than most annuals. 3. It doesn't flower nearly as much as traditional White Clover, but it does flower some, mostly in its second season. Your email address will not be published. Please check your inbox to download your FREE eBook. Ground Cover: clover makes a great filler for spots of the lawn that are dead or just need some filling in. Years ago, it was a desirable part of lawns. Theyre both Trifolium repens and have the same functioning parts. Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. Also, the hearty clover keeps other weeds from creeping in. All clover is considered a legume capable of turning atmospheric nitrogen gas into an organic form of nitrogen. Last year it was one of the most popular products at Natures Seed which, unfortunately, led to us selling out of this product early. 11. You won't have to mow a lot due to the clover growth. The main difference between the two is height Dutch clover is slightly taller than microclover, which tends to have smaller leaves and is more compact. It might be a nice added crop if planted at a low rate. Additionally, moles have an extensive tunnel network, despite repeated trappings. Its a contentious debate. Thats because clover grass is drought-tolerantyet it might stay green year-round, even in northern hardiness zones. It is quite tolerant of traffic and a natural spreader. However, in many areas in the South, perennial clovers will not survive the heat and drought of summer, and first-year growth of a perennial clover is normally less than that of annual clovers. This clover does not reseed well due to a low level of hard seed production. Prior to the introduction of broadleaf herbicides in the 1950s, clover was a valued component of lawn seed mixtures for its ability to fix nitrogen, enrich the soil, and improve turfgrass growth. This is especially true with warm season grasses being grown on droughty soils. All over North America, people are making the choice to replace their grass lawns with easier-to-manage plants that dont require so much care. Here's how: Locate a mature plant that has an offshoot branched out from it. START GROWING. Microclover refers to smaller varieties of white clover (Trifolium repens var. Copyright 2012 - 2023 Live Love FruitPrivacy Policy | Terms of Service | Full Disclaimer | Affiliate Disclosure. Should I rip up the lawn next year and start over with a blend of grass seed and microclover? To add clover to an existing lawn, first mow the lawn closely and remove thatch, which will help the seed reach the soil surface, recommends the Farmers Almanac. If youre looking for something low-maintenance, beautiful, and drought tolerant, that would be my top recommendation (if youre open to grass I know a lot of readers on this page are specifically looking for grass lawn alternatives). If clover arrives in your lawn without an invitation, your lawns grass is probably ailing and you need to support your yards soil by top-dressing it with compost, and/or spreading organic fertilizer. The Copyright symbol would indicate that it is a privately bred and marketed variety. Thanks for this article. Because clover is considered a living mulch, it provides nutrients to the soil and helps it resist compaction. I have relied on Jonathan Green products for about a decade now and have strictly adhered to their regimen and one of my neighbors has done the same, but just started their lawn a couple years ago. Repels Pests and Weeds: clover helps discourage insect pests, most of which prefer grasses. Nitrogen-coated seeds are necessary for sterile or otherwise unhealthy soil. Clover is an important part of having a green, low maintenance lawn that doesn't need a lot of water. Seed with a thin coating of soil and sand to improve germination rates, rake lightly, and press. Diseases are rare with microclover, though soggy, brown patches may indicate Southern blight, a disease occurring in hot, moist climates. The florets range in color from white to pink. Once your clover is fully established, mow and return clippings to your lawn for a natural feeding. Subterranean clover does not yield as well as arrowleaf clover, berseem clover, or crimson clover,but can produce seed under heavy grazing pressure. The only one I would worry about in clover would be Vert. Theres been a lot of talk lately in the gardening world about clover. If you're feeling bold, try mixing a couple options in your space. Arrowleaf/grass mixtures should be grazed enough to prevent the clover seedlings from being shaded by the grass. Clover is a benefit to yards with poor soil, and it can thrive in compacted or poorly draining soil. Sow clover seed at roughly 6 to 8 ounces per 1,000 square feet. She loves to do yoga, dance, and immerse herself in nature. Some homeowners like to mow their lawns midseason to tidy it up and deadhead flowers. Recommended pairings: Tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass Note: The recommended mowing height for micro clover is 3"-3.5". Related: How to Reduce the Size of Your Lawn. By the late 1800s, the neatly trimmed, aesthetically pleasing grass lawn became a symbol of wealth. It put the other grasses I was trialing to shame. Gently rake in the seed for an even distribution and good soil contact. A bunchgrass might be a great alternative in the buffer area. While on the other hand White Clover really doesn't have a limited life span and also attracts beneficial creatures (to a slightly lower extent), it also fertilizes the soil via its root system. It has tiny leaves and fewer white flowers. If it is mowed occasionally, it will reach about 4 inches high. Many landscapers and gardeners suggest converting to a clover lawn gradually rather than digging up your lawn and making it happen all at once. The primary period of growth is early to mid-spring. Microclover: Key Features As the name indicates, it's the smallest variety of white clover. Clover is heat and drought-tolerant. She currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a determined life mission to help inspire and motivate individuals to critically think about what they put in their bodies and to find balance through nutrition and lifestyle. 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. Instead, prevent weeds from colonizing your lawn by starting with clean, nutritious soil at the correct pH. Is Trifolium repens L. var. Once we grow clover, does that mean we should only use fertilizer (i.e, no weed or crabgrass killer)? Im in New England as well and have predominantly BBU for my lawn in sandy soil. 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. Most clover varieties grow to a height of 2-8 inches. While it is defined by many as an eco-friendly alternative to lawn grass, people may still consider clover to be a lawn weed. The lush green hues and added texture will make your lawn both beautiful and comfortable to walk on barefoot. Using pruning shears or scissors, cut the offshoot to separate it from the mother plant. Therefore, you don't need to trim it down too often to maintain a neat lawn. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The biggest advantage to this small-leaved version is how it blends with a grass lawn. The ideal pH for micro clover is 6 7. Microclover ( Trifolium repens L. var. Would that have been enough for micro-clover in my sunny spots? Our microclover has a special coating that helps it get established and providing nitrogen to fertilize your lawn 6 - 9 months sooner than clover that isn't coated and inoculated with our special seed starter. https://plantscience.psu.edu/reduce-runoff/questions-about-microclover. It grows quickly and best on well-drained soil, but like strawberry soil, can thrive on a range of soil varieties. It can feel overwhelming to do this all at once, so take it in sections. 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. 6. This will cut down on your annual lawn maintenance costs, but there are other benefits to clover as well. Pirouette the same as micro clover? This happens with some beautiful hybrid perennials in my garden that have been recently developed by breeders if I dont cut off the seed-head theyll self-sow and revert back to a less-attractive version of the same plant either a different size, color, or growth habit often obscuring the nice foliage or flowers I loved on the original plant I purchased. 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. Is there a legitmate difference in Miniclover vs Dutch White Clover? In that setting, it is only utilized for 2 crop years before removal. If theyre planted too closely together, they tend to compete for water. What Can Be Sprayed on Mold That Will Not Kill Grass or Hurt Animals or Humans? Getting your microclover lawn established isnt a difficult process, but it does take some careful planning. I hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Good morning, Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. 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. Benefits clovers can provide include improved forage quality, increased forage yield, biological nitrogen fixation, extension of the growing season, soil improvement, and land beautification. Microclover lawns are more tolerant of heavy foot traffic. Arrowleaf clover requires well-drained soil. Because clover is a legume, it takes nitrogen from the air and transfers it into the ground, where the gas improves nearby plants and soil quality. This publication provides general information regarding a number of points that should be considered when deciding which clovers to plant. It also has smaller leaves and grows closer to the ground. Arrowleaf Clover Arrowleaf clover is a productive annual that makes most of its growth in late spring. In fact, there are plenty of pesticides and products on the market that will tell you how to get rid of clover. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Micro clover seeds are extra fine in texture. Water your clover until it is fully established (especially if you live in a hot, dry climate). All the benefits of traditional white clover packed into very tiny leaves. This differs from public domain varieties that do not have licenses or royalties attached to them. Meanwhile, some turfgrasses scorch in the summer sun, while others become spindly in partial shade. You will need to sow 25% more of these seeds compared to grass seed into an existing lawn. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription! 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. Also, since Microclover tolerates lower mowing heights than the regular type, it can be incorporated into almost any existing lawncare practice. As we become more conscious of the harmful effects of using pesticides on lawns, we are naturally going to see plants like clover popping up and sticking around. Thank you! Special thanks to Max Floyd of Earth, Water & Wood for sharing information about micro clover lawns in the home landscape. Wait a week after seeding before fertilizing with organic, pelletized chicken manure. If planted in autumn, most growth occurs in mid-spring. I recommend using the back of a leaf rake for this. 9. My question is whether there is true a difference in Miniclover as opposed to Dutch White Clover? The Ultimate Guide to Fight Inflammation and Restore Your Health! It can be the result Get instant access to all of our premium pasture seed products by entering your zip code into our exclusive Seed Selector! Hopefully, I have covered most everything. What are the pros and cons of planting a 100% micro cover as a turf replacement ground cover? Within 100 miles of the Gulf Coast, it often produces more autumn and winter forage than any other clover,but because it does not have good cold tolerance, production declines as it is planted farther north. Any special needs? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. When micro clover first grows, the leaves will be much larger. Keep reading to learn more about clover lawns and whether or not its a viable option for your outdoor space. Content on Live Love Fruit may not be reproduced in any form. Although it can sometimes reseed itself, its beneficial to know how to plant clover, especially since you might have to replant it every 2 to 3 years. Having a micro clover lawn (whether purely micro clover or through incorporating micro clover in an existing lawn) is a matter of preference. When mixed with the right grass seed, micro clover can fill gaps, enhance the green hue of your yard, and create unique and inviting texture in your lawn. 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. 5. When this top growth dies, it can leave bare spots in your lawn. In that situation, they dont do as well during droughts. 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. 7. This one has smaller leaves and far fewer blooms, but it is a lot more tolerant to foot traffic and mowing. Ive had a great lawn for years and get complimented on it. The next step is to lay down an inch or more of fresh topsoil to the planting area to give the new seedlings a helping hand at growing. Are you ready to take the leap into microclover? All clovers are legumes. Try it out with Sundays help. Naturally-produced nitrogen from clover and other legumes in your yard limits the need to apply fertilizer. For those looking for a cover that will stand up to pets and kids, it might be the perfect option. Reviewed by Dr. Mark J. Carroll, Director, Environmental Science & Policy Program, University of Maryland, April 2019. Pirouette), a cultivar of white clover with smaller leaves and a lower growth habit.. Microclover offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy lower maintenance lawns longer in the growing season. White Clover: Also called Trifolium repens or Dutch clover, this variety typically grows taller than microclover. Stacy Tornio has authored more than 15 books about animals, nature, and gardening. Hi. However,it is important to make certain that any such test plantings give the clovers a fair chance. Not only is it easy to grow and guaranteed to green up your space; it also has a fun texture much different than grass. Some are more tolerant of certain climatic conditions, soil conditions, and/or management regimes than others. Mowing flowers off, however, negates the benefit of providing food and shelter for pollinators. Sow seed at the recommended rate and water well to establish quickly. This health benefit is one of the main reasons people are adding micro clover to their lawns. Penn State recommends a smaller variety of white clover called microclover (Trifolium repens L. var. 4. It seems to have a niche but the only standalone plantings I have seen are in clover seed production fields. Microclover is one such variety developed by the DLF seed company. Its familiar round, white, and fragrant flowers dot the landscape of a clover lawn. Required fields are marked *. They also have a less aggressive clump-forming habit. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn covers 1,000 . Lets take a look at the details surrounding clover lawns so you can decide where you stand on the issue, and Ill look specifically at the pros and cons of micro-clover in residential lawns. Adding microclover to lawns helps control weeds because it helps fill in gaps that often exist in conventional lawn blends. Yes, definitely. She is a master gardener and master naturalist. Has smaller leaves than dutch white clover. A full-blown stand of micro clover requires between 2 and 5 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet of lawn. If the clover looks not so happy after mowing, just wait a day or two for it to pick up! The soil is hard packed clay, acidic, modified (poorly) with compost and top soil mix. with a white V or crescent. This is particularly true with so many droughts happening nowadays I wouldnt be surprised if everyone switched to micro clover as a result. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I planted what I though was micro clover as a lawn cover. Annual clovers are not widely used in the northern United States, but some acreage of a few species is spring-planted in this area. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A clover yard only needs to be mowed a few times a year, as opposed to the weekly mowing required by most grass lawns. A medium-sized, 10,000-square-foot lawn will cost twice as much. Ten-pound bags that will cover 5,000 square feet are close to $300. The most hardy variety has similar winter hardiness to arrowleaf clover or crimson clover, but varieties often grown in western states are much less cold tolerant. This type of clover is used by many vineyards and orchards. Clover does well even in high heat and prolonged drought conditions. While micro clover was designed for mixed grass/clover purposes, that doesnt mean you cant sow a pure micro clover lawn. I would suggest this one from West Coast Seeds. Is the presence of micro clover in your lawn a gardening delight or a gardening fail? Start in early spring (mid-March to mid-April) to allow clover seed time to get established before cold weather arrives. It improves forage quality above a pure grass stand and supplies nitrogen for grass growth. It wont harm it at all and the more you thicken it up early on the less youll have to mow in the future. Lawn trials show that mixes of 5 to 10% microclover will maintain the benefits of a clover lawn and keep weeds at bay. 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. My lawn had alot of naturally growing Dutch clover the past few years but that too dried up and died. ( It will not be turned under as a cover crop.) Why has no one been doing this besides me? That makes me wonder if they are the same except the mini clover is trained to stay lower by mowing. Thats why Ive curated my research to provide you with micro clover lawn pros and cons (so you dont have to). Red clover requires good soil moisture, but is not as tolerant of wet conditions as white clover. I am unaware of any clover work being done on campus. Science Learning Hub. These types have smaller leaves, fewer flowers, and a lower growth habit compared to Dutch white clover. Im not sure I can exactly quantify the difference BBU and other high-quality fescue-based grasses compare to traditional lawn grass, but my gut feeling is that the drought tolerance improvement may be similar (about 25%). Micro clover lawn pros and cons. Even if youre not looking to entirely convert your lawn to a clover haven, know that its perfectly fine (and even healthy) for this common plant to show up in your grass and backyard. 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). Save 12% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK2023. To prevent that, plant microclover, which produces fewer flowers than Dutch white clover, or mow before the flowers bloom. Microclover needs 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. Rake or scratch the surface of the area where you want to plant. Now, however, savvy gardeners know that clover can enhance a home lawn and has uses far beyond providing good grazing pasture land for animals. 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. The following brief descriptions of various commonly grown clovers, together with the information in Table 1 can provide much insight regarding species suitability for various situations. Ball clover is best suited to heavy soils, but is surprisingly well adapted to fairly dry sites as well. This means that it can cost as little as $1 to seed 1,000 square feet. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? "The Role of Clover." Some people do kill their lawn and start over, sowing their entire lawn in micro clover. 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.

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