Blending can also help compensate for the fact that in some zones, micro clover will go dormant in winter and turn brown. - Ask Extension. Follow these simple steps on how to grow a clover lawn: RELATED: Keep Off the Grass: 5 Alternatives to a Traditional Lawn. Micro Clover is a dwarf cultivar of white clover characterized by smaller leaflets and fewer blooms. All clovers are legumes. Because of this, right after your aerate is a great time to add clover seeds to your lawn. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. As the seedlings sprout and grow, the clover will expand further and further into the grass. Any special needs? Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Microclover Information: How To Grow A Microclover Lawn Some customers have reported their Microclover reverting back to regular size after a few seasons. Prevent anyone from walking on the seeds for at least four weeks after sowing so that the plants have a chance of establishing themselves. There is some use of annual clovers in winter rainfall areas of California and Oregon, but most plantings of the commonly used annual clovers (arrowleaf clover, ball clover, berseem clover, crimson clover, rose clover, and subterranean clover) in the United States are made in the South (Figure 1). Yes, the heat and drought this summer was brutal. Plus, who doesnt want the opportunity to look for a four-leaf clover? You won't have to mow a lot due to the clover growth. Though widely adapted, it is best suited to soils which have good moisture-holding ability. 8. Microclover - Good Nature Home A 100% microclover lawn is a thing of beauty, but as noted above, the seed can be costly for larger areas. While it is defined by many as an eco-friendly alternative to lawn grass, people may still consider clover to be a lawn weed. Microclover offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy lower maintenance lawns longer in the growing season. Im in New England as well and have predominantly BBU for my lawn in sandy soil. 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. Turf benefits from regular core aeration, which is either time-consuming to do yourself or expensive if you hire a lawn care company. Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. Clover Lawn Pros and Cons: Why Clover is Becoming The Next Best Lawn Alternative - Live Love Fruit FREE EBOOK Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally! Decomposing clover roots leave macropores in the soil. In terms of genetic engineering, I am unaware of any commercially available clover varieties. Some experts say it grows best in zones without extremely high temperatures and extended periods of drought. University of Maryland Extension on Facebook, University of Maryland Extension on Instagram, University of Maryland Extension on Twitter, University of Maryland Extension on Youtube, 2018-2023 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser, (PDF) Microclover - Tall Fescue Lawns in the Mid-Atlantic Region. 11. Microclover is not a miracle plant and it is not as "micro" as the name might suggest. 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. The Ultimate Guide to Fight Inflammation and Restore Your Health! Great for grazing. To keep the clover, you will have to keep the less desirables as well. Pirouette the same as micro clover? At the low seeding rates, you'd spend $450 to seed 5,000 square feet; at the higher rate, you'd pay $1,125. If you live in an appropriate climate region, you might consider adding micro clover to your existing grass for a lush and healthy lawn all season. In that setting, it is only utilized for 2 crop years before removal. Autumn-planted annual clovers are often grown in mixtures with annual ryegrass and/or smallgrain (usually rye, wheat, or oats) which provide more autumn and winter production. Should You Ever Let Your Lawn Go to Seed. Disease, insects, soil needs? You dont have to go to great lengths to get rid of it, which equals less maintenance for you and environmental bonus points. Micro clover also works well in . When you opt-in you will also receive a weekly email update. You can easily decide that for yourself once you read over this giant list of pros (compared to the tiny list of cons). Aeration helps the soil become more welcoming to organic fertilizer, water, and seeds. 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. For most people the elevated up-front cost will provide savings in the long run. The blog editor at Eartheasy.com, Shannon lives on six acres of land with her husband, daughters, and backyard poultry flock. 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. It is usually grown in pastures, but can also be cut for hay (one cutting only). Micro clover has several benefits, but this plant's drawbacks can also be a deal-breaker for others. Hopefully, I have covered most everything. However, this is more so for regular white clover than micro clover. Today, for everyone who says that clover is a weed, you will hear another homeowner explain why theyre turning to a micro clover lawn or a blend of micro clover with more traditional turf grasses. Meanwhile, some turfgrasses scorch in the summer sun, while others become spindly in partial shade. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Start in early spring (mid-March to mid-April) to allow clover seed time to get established before cold weather arrives. As you plant perennials, mix in clover in between or in those hard-to-grow areas. However, in the Southeast they can be a companion to certain warm season perennial grasses on sites that offer good moisture availability during much of the growing season. These cookies do not store any personal information. You can grow a micro-clover lawn in just about any season, but it is best if you sow during spring or early summer when temperatures are still cool. 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. Those are a lot of great questions! How to Grow Microclover | Eartheasy Guides & Articles Benefits of Miniclover versus White Dutch Clover? : r/NoLawns - Reddit Then water. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. No Herbicide: clover is a broad-leaf plant, so applying herbicide will kill the plant. If the clover looks not so happy after mowing, just wait a day or two for it to pick up! If youre simply wanting to thicken up an established lawn with micro clover then you can treat it the same way you would with regular grass mow it when it looks like it needs it. All clover is considered a legume capable of turning atmospheric nitrogen gas into an organic form of nitrogen. White Clover - Penn State Extension 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. While dog urine can discolor most grasses, clover isnt affected by it and will remain green and attractive. But you have to be 100% sure you want it (because if you dont, Im not sure youll ever get rid of it). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Pirouette and Pipolina). The small white flowers are also great for pollinators, should you choose to let them grow. Using pruning shears or scissors, cut the offshoot to separate it from the mother plant. Small areas can be treated by covering the soil with a plastic sheet before planting and solarizing to kill the disease. Last year it was one of the most popular products at Natures Seed which, unfortunately, led to us selling out of this product early. White clover is a moderately drought-tolerant ground cover if the plants are spaced out. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Both of us use Black Beauty Ultra and Ive been overseeding every other year. SS-AGR-54/AA198: White Clover - University of Florida Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? Thanks for this article. Trifoli. How to Level a Sloping Lawn (and why you should), All About Rhizome Grass (and why it's awesome). No Aerating: Unlike grass lawns, clover does not have to be aerated to stay lush and green (unlike grass lawns). Is micro clover the way to go? This nitrogen can enrich the surrounding soil and improve grass growth naturally. 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). One of the easier options for getting started is to add seeds to your existing space a little at a time. Generally, this was white clover (Trifolium repens). Should I rip up the lawn next year and start over with a blend of grass seed and microclover? 3 It also has smaller leaves and grows. Water two time daily to keep the soil surface wet for the first two weeks. A good plan would be to contact your local extension office to see if micro clover is right for your area. 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. It is often grazed, but is also well-suited for use in hay situations. The clover varieties that grow closest to the ground include micro clover and white clover. 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. This type of clover is used by many vineyards and orchards. Filed Under: Environment, Gardening Tagged With: clover lawn pros and cons, how to grow a micro clover lawn, micro clover, micro clover lawn, micro clover lawn pros and cons. 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. In these areas, most prepared-seed bed plantings are made in autumn 4 to 6 weeks before the date of the first killing frost. The decision to embrace clover includes many factors that each person must consider. Thus, there are situations in which use of an annual clover with perennial grass is preferable. Lime where necessary, since microclover does best with a pH of 6 to 7. Its an excellent grass blend that does really well in NJ and up into New England (its what I use to overseed my lawn every other year). Micro clover is also a low maintenance lawn filler that adds dimension to a lawn. 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! Strawberry clover isnt as well known as white clover. This health benefit is one of the main reasons people are adding micro clover to their lawns. It seems to be pretty popular amongst grazers. "Lawns and Microclover." It also requires little to no fertilization and is completely drought resistant. The first step to forgiving yourself for having clover in your yard is understanding why it is there and then deciding if its benefits outweigh your pride. From what I have read, it is only supposed to grow 1-3 high. As the roots grow along the surface, new clover plants will fill in any blank spots. 6. Pros and Cons of Micro Clover Lawn | Lawn Model Most clover varieties grow to a height of 2-8 inches. 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. How is Microclover Different from Common White Clover? 7. 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. It might be a nice added crop if planted at a low rate. White cloveror Dutch white clover(Trifolium repens)is a perennial plant, native to Europe, which often shows up in lawns by way of seed dispersal. Yes, Pirouette is considered a micro-clover. If your grass is thin or brown, its possible that clover can take over those areas of your lawnespecially if theyre shady. Plant the offshoot slightly below the soil in the desired location and secure the plant by pushing the soil down around it. 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. If another goal is to add more garden beds and spaces for flowers to a traditional lawn, remove chunks of your lawn to start fresh. Is there a legitmate difference in Miniclover vs Dutch White Clover Unlike most commonly grown annual clovers, berseem clover is quite tolerant of wet soils and also alkaline soils. It is a great quality micro clover seed mixed with fescue that blends seamlessly with most lawns. That would also leave me hesitantabout its staying power as the primary stabilization tool without some grasses to help round things out. Theyre both Trifolium repens and have the same functioning parts. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription! MicroLawn Grass Seed & Microclover Blend - 5 lbs, Organic Turf Starter Fertilizer 4-6-4 - 30 lbs, Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer 8-0-0 - 40 lbs, Corn Gluten Granulated Organic Fertilizer 9-0-0 - 30 lbs, 2023 Eartheasy.com - All Rights Reserved, Eartheasy Renews Commitment After Planting 27,000 Trees, Designing a Landscape With Raised Garden Beds, https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_images/programs/hgic/Publications/non_HGIC_FS/TT121%20Tall%20fescue%20microclover%20lawns.pdf, https://plantscience.psu.edu/reduce-runoff/questions-about-microclover. West Coast Seeds has it (heres the link) if you want to buy directly from a company and cant find what youre looking for on Amazon. Copyright 2012 - 2023 Live Love FruitPrivacy Policy | Terms of Service | Full Disclaimer | Affiliate Disclosure. Micro clover (sometimes spelled as microclover) is a small variety of white clover well worth consideration for spring lawn renovation. These attract earthworms, which help keep the soil loose (and, therefore, in need of no aeration) and reduce thatch buildup. 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. Here are two of the top low-maintenance clover varieties for lawns. 3) Clover is not durable enough for high-traffic areas. Note: The recommended mowing height for micro clover is 3"-3.5". Subterranean clover does not yield as well as arrowleaf clover, berseem clover, or crimson clover,but can produce seed under heavy grazing pressure. White clover mixes well with fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The soil is hard packed clay, acidic, modified (poorly) with compost and top soil mix. Miniclover Drought Tolerant Small Leaved White Clover Seeds For Clover Getting your microclover lawn established isnt a difficult process, but it does take some careful planning. There are advantages and disadvantages to its use: Microclover can be included as a component of lawns, but there is no current research that supports its successful useexclusivelyas a groundcover orlawn alternativein Maryland. Again, checking to see if micro clover is recommended in your area is smart, so that you dont end up with disappointing surprises. How to Grow and Care for White Clover - The Spruce She is a master gardener and master naturalist. With a less invasive clump-forming habit, the microclover tends to have a lower growth rate, fewer flowers, and smaller leaves. However, I live 20 minutes North of Boston and this year my BBU grass was turned into straw. Copyright 2023. Because clover is considered a living mulch, it provides nutrients to the soil and helps it resist compaction. I am unaware of any clover work being done on campus. 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. If youre unsure how much water to use, test your soil using a moisture meter and adjust accordingly. The ideal pH for micro clover is 6 7. It is quite tolerant of traffic and a natural spreader. Theyre both dogs, but youre going to pay a lot more for the cute miniature version thats been specially bred. Wait one week after sowing before adding organic chicken manure pellets as a fertilizer. In fact, microclover will grow more densely and produce smaller leaves the more frequently it is mowed, which is ideal if you want a traditional green lawn look. Required fields are marked *. Not only will your lawn be healthy from naturally-produced nitrogen, but a beautiful yard of grass and micro clover will also work in harmony to crowd out pesky weeds and keep your yard looking beautiful for years to come. Naturally-produced nitrogen from clover and other legumes in your yard limits the need to apply fertilizer. The nitrogen-fixing properties of clovers build nutrients in the soil and feed other grasses in the blend, leading to a thick, dense cover. 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. In that setting, it is only utilized for 2 crop years before removal. 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). It improves forage quality above a pure grass stand and supplies nitrogen for grass growth. It acts as its own natural fertilizer! Rotational stocking is the best way to utilize berseem clover pastures. The benefits of growing a micro clover lawn far outweigh the negatives. https://plantscience.psu.edu/reduce-runoff/questions-about-microclover. Why has no one been doing this besides me? But first, we need to discuss the difference between clover and micro clover, because there is quite a bit of confusion between the species! 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. According to West Coast Seeds, the plants respond to mowing by hugging the ground more, with smaller leaves and shorter flower stems. Over time, they take on a compact, snug appearance. View our Seasonal Sale, with Free Shipping over $99. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, it pulls nitrogen gas out of the air and converts it into a nutrient. This is important to soil because, when growing other plants, nitrogen is naturally lost. Microclover Lawn Seed - Good Nature Organic Landscape Supply Im in New England with very sandy soil on my lot, so periods of drought can be tough on my yard too. Stacy Tornio has authored more than 15 books about animals, nature, and gardening. White clover (aka Dutch clover) crowds out weeds, thanks to its dense roots and fast growth, so theres no need to use herbicides on a clover lawn. All annual plants present at any given time will die within a 12 month period. However, others claim micro clover is more drought tolerant than most grasses due to its root structure. Berseem Clover Berseem clover is an annual which bears a superficial resemblance to alfalfa. It is best adapted to medium and heavy textured soils with good moisture-holding capacity. Ten minutes of the sprinkler twice a day is sufficient, but water according to your needs (and your local climate). https://www.naturesseed.com/skin/frontend/naturesfinest/vstyle/images/logo.png. White clover is a low-growing forage legume used predominantly in pasture mixtures with grasses. 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. In many areas red clover plants can live for 2 years (and occasionally longer), but in the lower South it often acts as an annual. They also have a less aggressive clump-forming habit. Even more alluring is the sweet smell that emanates from the flowers. The biggest advantage to this small-leaved version is how it blends with a grass lawn. What is Microclover and Why is it Good for My Lawn? However, because clover adds nitrogen to the soil, its more likely that it will help your grass stay healthy instead of competing with the rest of your lawn.
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