A clover lawn, or a mixed grass and clover turf, is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass. It requires less water and minimal mowing. Clover naturally converts nitrogen from the air into a usable form, fertilizing itself and surrounding grass. Establishing this durable groundcover successfully begins with understanding the specific seeding rate.
Selecting the Right Clover and Planting Timing
The choice between White Dutch Clover and Microclover influences the desired look and seeding strategy. White Dutch Clover is the traditional variety, known for its rapid spread and production of small white flowers attractive to pollinators. Microclover, a newer cultivar, has smaller leaves and a lower growth habit, blending more seamlessly with turfgrass and flowering less frequently.
Microclover is generally favored for overseeding into an existing lawn. Its less aggressive nature and smaller leaf size create a more uniform appearance when mixed with turfgrass.
The best time to plant is during periods of cooler temperatures and reliable moisture, specifically early spring or late summer to early fall. Spring seeding, after the last hard frost, allows establishment before summer heat arrives. Late summer planting, about six weeks before the first expected frost, is often preferred. This timing minimizes competition from annual weeds and benefits from cooler soil temperatures and increased rainfall.
Calculating Specific Seeding Rates
The precise amount of clover seed required depends entirely on the goal: establishing a new, pure clover lawn or overseeding an existing turfgrass area. Clover seeds are very small, meaning a single pound contains hundreds of thousands of seeds, which is why the application rates are much lower than for grass seed. The density of planting directly affects how quickly the clover fills in and how well it competes with existing vegetation.
For establishing a new, pure stand of Microclover, the recommended rate ranges from 2 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. This high rate is necessary to ensure a dense, uniform groundcover that can withstand light foot traffic and effectively crowd out weeds. If using standard White Dutch Clover for a new lawn, the rate is often slightly lower, around 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet, due to its more vigorous and aggressive spreading habit.
When overseeding an existing lawn, the seeding rate is significantly reduced to prevent the clover from completely overwhelming the grass. For both White Dutch Clover and Microclover, the standard overseeding rate is between \(1/4\) and \(1/2\) pound per 1,000 square feet. Some sources suggest rates up to 1 pound per 1,000 square feet for Microclover to ensure better coverage, especially in thinner turf.
Ground Preparation and Application Techniques
Achieving successful germination is highly dependent on maximizing seed-to-soil contact, which requires intentional preparation of the planting area. If overseeding into an existing lawn, the grass should be mowed to the lowest setting possible to expose the soil surface and reduce competition for light. Scarifying or vigorously raking the soil is a necessary step to break up the surface and create small niches for the seeds to settle into.
Clover generally prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Performing a simple soil test is highly recommended, as extreme acidity or alkalinity can inhibit growth and establishment. Correcting the pH with lime or sulfur well before planting gives the soil time to adjust and creates an optimal environment for the clover.
Due to the small size of the seeds, applying them evenly can be difficult, often leading to clumping or patchy coverage. To ensure uniform distribution, the seed should be mixed with an inert carrier material, such as fine sand, sawdust, or dried coffee grounds. A typical ratio is about 1 part seed to 4 parts carrier by volume, which helps the seed flow smoothly through a broadcast spreader.
The spreader should be set to a very low opening. The area should be covered twice, with the second pass running perpendicular to the first, to ensure thorough and consistent coverage.
Initial Care for Successful Establishment
After the seeds have been successfully broadcast, the most important factor for germination is consistent moisture in the top layer of the soil. The newly seeded area must be watered lightly but frequently, ensuring the top inch of soil remains consistently moist but not saturated. This watering regimen should be maintained for the first 7 to 14 days, which is the typical window for clover seedlings to emerge.
Once the seedlings have visibly established themselves, watering frequency can be gradually reduced to encourage deeper root systems. Postponing the first mowing is important, as new plants are fragile and can be easily pulled from the soil. Do not mow until the clover is well-rooted and the grass is significantly taller; the initial cut should be done at a high setting, around 3 to 3.5 inches.
Clover’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen means that the established lawn will require little to no nitrogen fertilizer. Excessive nitrogen application can actually harm the clover by favoring the growth of competing grasses, reducing the clover’s density. Focusing on water management and allowing the clover to complete its nitrogen-fixing process are the only long-term care steps needed for a thriving, low-maintenance lawn.