Will clover work as a living pathway in my Denver vegetable garden? - Ask Extension
We currently use newspaper and straw to mulch paths between the slightly raised beds in our vegetable garden. Could we seed white clover in the paths ...
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Will clover work as a living pathway in my Denver vegetable garden? #862286
Asked March 22, 2024, 8:04 PM EDT
We currently use newspaper and straw to mulch paths between the slightly raised beds in our vegetable garden. Could we seed white clover in the paths instead? Would the clover keep weeds down in the paths? Could we mow it to keep the paths walkable? Most importantly, would the clover need to be watered once it is established? Do you have suggestions for alternatives?
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your interesting question about using clover as a pathway through your vegetable garden. Dr. Tony Koski is a CSU professor who specializes in turf and lawn. He states
“If you get (weeds) growing in your clover that you don’t like, it gets really hard to control them with any kind of herbicide because what kills the weed would probably kill your clover,”
Dr. Koski goes on to add that clover needs about the same amount of water as a grass lawn.
I would continue to use your current method of using newspaper and straw as both will decompose over time into nice compost.
Shredded leaves are another alternative that can be easily acquired and will add valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil as they break down. Earthworms will thank you by converting the leaves into rich castings. The only downside I can think of is if your garden is in a windy area where the shredded leaves might blow away easily.
“If you get (weeds) growing in your clover that you don’t like, it gets really hard to control them with any kind of herbicide because what kills the weed would probably kill your clover,”
Dr. Koski goes on to add that clover needs about the same amount of water as a grass lawn.
I would continue to use your current method of using newspaper and straw as both will decompose over time into nice compost.
Shredded leaves are another alternative that can be easily acquired and will add valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil as they break down. Earthworms will thank you by converting the leaves into rich castings. The only downside I can think of is if your garden is in a windy area where the shredded leaves might blow away easily.
