Micro clover, typically a variety of white clover (Trifolium repens), is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance lawn. This plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, essentially fertilizing itself and surrounding grasses. Its miniature leaves and dense, low-growing habit create a uniform, green turf that is more drought-tolerant than many traditional lawn grasses. Understanding the specific seeding rate is the first step in successfully establishing this alternative ground cover.
Calculating the Required Amount
The amount of micro clover seed needed depends directly on the desired application: establishing a pure micro clover lawn or blending it with existing turf. Micro clover seed is exceptionally small, meaning a small amount covers a large area. The two primary approaches require significantly different amounts of seed per unit of area.
For a new lawn, often called a monoculture, where micro clover is the only plant being established on bare soil, the recommended seeding rate is between 4 and 8 ounces (oz) per 1,000 square feet. A rate of 1 pound (lb) of micro clover seed will typically cover about 1,000 square feet for a full lawn replacement. This rate can be slightly adjusted upward if the soil quality is poor or if the area is subject to high foot traffic.
When overseeding into an existing lawn, the required rate is much lower, generally between 1 and 2 oz per 1,000 square feet. For example, 1.5 lbs of micro clover can overseed approximately 10,000 square feet of existing turf. If blending with grass seed for a new lawn, the clover should make up only about 5% of the total seed mixture by weight.
| Application Method | Seed Rate per 1,000 sq ft |
| :— | :— |
| New Lawn (Monoculture) | 8 oz to 1 lb (225g to 450g) |
| Overseeding Existing Turf | 1 to 2 oz (28g to 56g) |
If spreading the seed by hand, increase the calculated amount by 25% to 50% to account for uneven distribution. Reserve 10% to 15% of the total seed amount for later use in patching any sparse or bare spots that may appear after initial germination.
Preparing the Area for Seeding
Site preparation maximizes the effectiveness of the seed and promotes successful germination. This process differs depending on whether the area is bare or if the clover is being added to an existing lawn. Achieving good seed-to-soil contact is the primary goal of all preparation methods.
For a new lawn, the soil should first be tested to determine the pH, as micro clover thrives best in a range of 6.0 to 7.0. The area should be cleared of existing vegetation, lightly tilled to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, and amended with compost to improve soil structure. The surface then needs to be raked to create a fine, level seedbed for the small seeds.
When overseeding into an existing lawn, preparation focuses on reducing competition and exposing the soil surface. The existing grass must be mowed as short as possible, typically to a height of 2 to 3 inches, with the clippings removed. Aeration or dethatching is recommended to loosen the soil and remove dead organic matter, creating small pockets where the seeds can settle and germinate successfully.
Post-Seeding Care for Establishment
Once the micro clover seed is distributed, the focus shifts to creating a consistently moist environment to encourage germination and root development. Watering must be light and frequent, often two to three times daily for the first two to three weeks. The goal is to keep the top layer of the soil consistently damp, like a wrung-out sponge, but never waterlogged, which can wash away seeds or cause rot. Once the seedlings are visibly established, the watering frequency can be gradually reduced, transitioning to a deeper, less frequent schedule.
Regular cutting encourages the dwarf growth habit. The first mowing should occur when the clover reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches. Maintaining a cutting height of 3 to 4 inches promotes long-term health and uniformity. Since micro clover naturally fixes nitrogen, supplemental nitrogen fertilization is unnecessary and often counterproductive to maintaining the desired clover-to-grass ratio.