Companion planting involves growing different plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve soil health. Integrating clover into a garden offers various ecological advantages for both the soil and neighboring plants, fostering a more balanced and productive environment.
Benefits of Clover as a Companion Plant
Clover provides numerous ecological benefits as a companion plant. A primary advantage is nitrogen fixation. As a legume, clover forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in specialized root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, enriching the soil with natural fertilizer and reducing the need for synthetic applications. When clover plants or their root nodules decompose, this fixed nitrogen becomes available to surrounding plants, providing a slow-release nutrient source.
Clover’s dense growth effectively suppresses weeds. It forms a living groundcover that outcompetes unwanted plants for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients, reducing the need for manual weeding or chemical herbicides. Clover also improves soil structure. Its extensive root systems aerate compacted soil, enhancing drainage and nutrient cycling. As clover biomass breaks down, it enriches the soil with organic matter, improving its texture and fertility.
Clover aids in soil moisture retention. Its dense foliage shades the soil surface, minimizing water evaporation and maintaining consistent moisture levels. This living mulch can lead to reduced watering needs for companion plants. Additionally, clover’s robust root network helps control soil erosion. Its roots bind soil particles, preventing loss from wind and rain.
Clover also attracts beneficial insects. Its flowers provide abundant nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees and butterflies, essential for fruit and vegetable reproduction. The dense foliage creates a habitat for predatory insects, such as ladybugs, minute pirate bugs, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps. These insects prey on common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies, contributing to biological pest control.
Types of Clover for Companion Planting
Selecting the appropriate clover variety is important for successful companion planting, as each type offers distinct characteristics suited to different garden needs. White clover (Trifolium repens) is a popular perennial choice known for its low-growing, spreading habit. It typically reaches heights of 4 to 12 inches and spreads via stolons, making it highly tolerant of foot traffic and suitable for pathways, orchards, and perennial beds. White clover is particularly effective as a living mulch due to its dense mat-forming growth.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) offers a different growth profile, being a taller, more upright plant that can reach 1 to 2 feet, and sometimes up to 30 inches. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial with a deep taproot, which is valuable for breaking up compacted soil and bringing nutrients from deeper soil layers to the surface. Red clover produces substantial biomass, making it well-suited for annual rotations or as a short-term cover crop that can be tilled into the soil to enhance organic matter. Its deep root system also contributes to drought tolerance.
Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is an annual variety recognized for its vibrant, striking red flowers. It exhibits rapid growth, often maturing within 60 to 90 days, and is commonly used as a winter annual in warmer climates. Crimson clover is effective for providing quick nitrogen contributions and suppressing weeds before spring planting, especially around cole crops like cabbage and broccoli. It generally prefers cooler temperatures, thriving best between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other clover types exist, though less commonly used in general companion planting guides. Strawberry clover, for instance, can be suitable for wetter soil conditions, while Alsike clover adapts well to diverse environmental conditions. These varieties may offer specialized benefits depending on specific site requirements and regional climates.
How to Use Clover as a Companion Plant
Integrating clover into a garden requires thoughtful planning to maximize its benefits and ensure harmonious growth with other plants. Proper site preparation is the initial step, involving clearing the area of existing weeds and debris. Loosening the soil slightly, perhaps with a light raking, helps ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for successful germination. Clover generally thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
When sowing, clover seeds are small, so mixing them with an inert carrier like sand can aid in even distribution, particularly when broadcasting by hand. After scattering the seeds over the prepared area, lightly rake them in to a depth of about 1/8 to 1/2 inch. For larger areas, a seed drill can ensure more precise placement and coverage. The ideal timing for sowing clover seeds depends on the local climate and the specific clover variety. Generally, spring or early fall are optimal periods for establishment, as cooler temperatures and consistent moisture support germination. Avoiding hot, dry conditions during initial establishment is important.
Consistent moisture is necessary immediately after sowing to encourage germination and early growth. Clover requires more water during this initial phase compared to some grasses. Once established, clover can be integrated with various crops. In vegetable gardens, it can be planted in pathways between rows or as a living mulch directly around individual plants, such as tomatoes or corn. For fruit trees and berry bushes, sowing clover beneath the canopy or between rows can improve soil health, retain moisture, and attract beneficial insects. In perennial beds, clover can fill in bare spots, enhancing soil fertility and reducing weed pressure.
Considerations for Using Clover
While clover offers many advantages, certain considerations are important for successful integration. A primary concern is potential competition with desired plants, particularly young seedlings or crops with shallow root systems. Clover can compete for water and nutrients, especially in its first year of establishment or during dry periods. To mitigate this, establish mulched rings around sensitive crops or mow clover regularly around plant bases to reduce its vigor.
The growth habit and spread of some clover varieties warrant attention. White clover, for instance, spreads aggressively via stolons, which are above-ground runners that root as they grow. This spreading nature can lead to it overtaking areas if not managed. Regular monitoring and containment measures, such as edging or strategic mowing, may be necessary to prevent encroachment.
While clover attracts beneficial insects, dense stands in wet conditions can occasionally create favorable habitats for slugs or snails. Proper garden hygiene and adequate air circulation can help minimize such occurrences. Regular mowing is a key maintenance practice for clover. Mowing helps prevent it from flowering excessively if the primary goal is nitrogen contribution rather than seed production. It also keeps the clover from growing too tall and shading out smaller companion crops, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight.