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Clover, clover everywhere #867168
Asked May 06, 2024, 6:41 AM EDT
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Thanks for using the Help Line for your project question. This question of overseeing was just asked by another interested person. I'm going to attach the answer that was given to this person and you will probably learn what is helpful.
Here's a publication that may be helpful to you should you not want to till: https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn#overseeding-2941612 -- note the section on overseeding. It contains some helpful tips on how to seed clover into existing sod. You don't necessarily have to till but you need to create the best conditions possible to achieve good seed-to-soil contact to give the clover a chance to establish. This is a technique you can try now in the spring.
Another technique to try is frost seeding in the late winter -- farmers use this technique in pastures to diversify plant species where they rely on nature's freeze-thaw action to create opportunities for good seed-to-soil contact. Some info on frost seeding can be found at: https://extension.psu.edu/frost-seeding-for-cover-crop-or-forage-establishment.
If you want further information please approach the Help Line again,
Hello Deborah,
I'm responding to your follow-up question about seeding Dutch White Clover. If you are concerned about the soil pH or nutrient profile of your lawn, I'd recommend conducting a soil test. More information about our soil test lab is available at: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab.
Dutch white clover performs well in a range of soil pH, including slightly acidic soils so unless your lawn needs lime, you'd likely be fine seeding it by itself.
Here are some additional resources about adding clover and other flowering plants to your lawn:
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/trifolium-repens/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MOxA8IpvhshhZtVUNRIUsUElzL6rplYw/view
Let us know if you have further questions.
Hi...I am writing about results of my seeding Dutch White Clover this spring in an area of my yard that had no grass. Following all instructions, the clover has grown in well. I have two somewhat negative observations:
1. After mowing the yard, the clover grows taller more quickly than the surrounding grass.
2. The clover presents more of a challenge to push the electric mower through, using more battery power and effort than the regular grass.
I'm glad you have had success in what you wanted to do. I guess I'm uncertain about your question. It sounds like you were successful in your goal in getting the Dutch White Clover started. I'm curious why you are wanting to mow it at all instead of just letting it take over?
