They grow very close to the ground. If undesirable weeds appear, its important not to treat with any broadleaf herbicides, This can help keep your lawn healthy and beautiful. Microclover offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy lower maintenance lawns longer in the growing season. Micro clover is basically a dwarf version of white clover, and doesnt reach higher than 6 inches, even if you never mow it (1). Try it out with Sundays help. If your grass is thin or brown, its possible that clover can take over those areas of your lawnespecially if theyre shady. Removing your existing lawn would be the first step if you want a full-coverage micro clover lawn. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. https://www.naturesseed.com/media/wysiwyg/footer-logo.png, mixing clover into your grass lawn is a great idea. Clovers are wonderful plants that can contribute greatly to forage/livestock programs,to soil stabilization, and in other situations in which plant vegetation is desired. But with so many people stuck on the idea that grass lawns are the ultimate goal in life, it is difficult to get die-hards to make the switch. Beneficial for Pollinators and Wildlife: the flowers of clover are an important nectar source for pollinating insects like bees. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Purchase a pre-mixed microclover lawn blend. Will you start a new micro clover lawn or seed into an existing lawn? Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. Not only is it easy to grow and guaranteed to green up your space; it also has a fun texture much different than grass. Why You Should Consider a Micro Clover Lawn (The Mini Clover Trend Nitrogen from rainwater and granular fertilizer penetrates the soil and feeds your grass. Adding seeds a little bit at a time is a convenient way to get your clover lawn started. A 100% microclover lawn is a thing of beauty, but as noted above, the seed can be costly for larger areas. The showy crimson-colored blooms can provide a spectacular show in early to mid-spring. Mini Clover or microclover - Ask Extension. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Pipolina as it should stay 3 tall or shorter. Many of these species are necessary for our survival, but they are facing dwindling numbers due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Where can I get true Microclover? Hi, my name is Sarah and Im the chick behind LawnChick.com. Hi. START GROWING. Meanwhile, some turfgrasses scorch in the summer sun, while others become spindly in partial shade. 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). Microclover is more tolerant of traffic than many lawn alternatives and welcomes walking and playing on its surface. Heres my privacy policy. Its the most popular clover seed for lawns, but it can also be planted as a perennial cover crop, ground cover, or for erosion control. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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). But there are also a lot of reasons to grow a clover lawn. Shelley has been writing and editing garden stories for 10 years, and has a Master Gardeners certificate in Oregon. 3 It also has smaller leaves and grows. If youre not 100% tied to the idea of clover and are open to a drought-tolerant grass Id consider Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra. Benefits of Miniclover versus White Dutch Clover? : r/NoLawns - Reddit Clover Vs. Grass Lawn: Differences | Lawn Model Think of it like buying a dog from a shelter versus buying a designer toy dog from a breeder. Perennial clovers also make seed, but (assuming environmental conditions and management are appropriate) individual plants can live more than one year. Other seeds recommended for blending with microclover include: Check with your local extension office to see which specific grasses are recommended in your area. NOTE: This publication provides general information which applies in most cases. Clover is resilient and doesnt need any pampering. Any special needs? Do you know of any front lawns or parks using exclusively micro clover? - Ask Extension. When seeded into warm season grasses, they are normally planted near the expected date of the first killing frost. White Clover White clover, a true perennial, is the most widely-grown clover in the United States.Where adapted, individual plants often live for several years. It doesn't flower nearly as much as traditional White Clover, but it does flower some, mostly in its second season. Micro clover plants also don't clump up as much as traditional white clover, making it more desirable for turfs. To add clover to an existing lawn, first mow the lawn closely and remove thatch, which will help the seed reach the soil surface, recommends the Farmers Almanac. This means it keeps your lawn looking greener and lusher throughout the spring and summer. 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. And with the demand for Microclover outpacing the supply, prices are not expected to go down anytime soon. While clover is certainly nothing new, the buzz has been focused on the latest varieties of white clover that have been bred for smaller and smaller leaf sizes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im in New England as well and have predominantly BBU for my lawn in sandy soil. In some zones, the lush green foliage goes dormant and turns brown in the winter. Has smaller leaves than dutch white clover. Research, as well as ranch experience, has demonstrated the superior feed value of a white clover grass mixture compared to grass alone. Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. Both of us use Black Beauty Ultra and Ive been overseeding every other year. All over North America, people are making the choice to replace their grass lawns with easier-to-manage plants that dont require so much care. It will stay green throughout the year and produce plenty of flowers, which are popular among bees looking for nectar. Ive had a great lawn for years and get complimented on it. Second, Microclover might not stay micro forever. Some homeowners like to mow their lawns midseason to tidy it up and deadhead flowers. My question is whether there is Good morning, Arrowleaf/grass mixtures should be grazed enough to prevent the clover seedlings from being shaded by the grass. Best Clover for Lawns | Lawn Model Microclover: This dwarf variety of Dutch white clover is lower-growing with smaller leaves and fewer flowers than its relative. Then, sow at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 lb per 1000 square feet. You will need to sow 25% more of these seeds compared to grass seed into an existing lawn. Everything You Need To Know About Clover Lawns - Treehugger Copyright 2012 - 2023 Live Love FruitPrivacy Policy | Terms of Service | Full Disclaimer | Affiliate Disclosure. For this method, all you have to do is toss out seeds and water them, just as you would with grass seed. It is also perfect for being planted between paving stones, and looks great, too. Micro clover (sometimes spelled as microclover) is a small variety of white clover well worth consideration for spring lawn renovation. If weeds appear, pull by hand. The main difference between the two is height Dutch clover is slightly taller than microclover, which tends to have smaller leaves and is more compact. Creeping Thyme is a beast once established, and will do fine for you if youre patient in the early going. Delayed germination is due to hard seed which have a seed coat that must be broken down over time to allow water to enter the seed. It can be used to create a mixed or pure clover lawn that are shorter than the standard Dutch white clover you see in parks. If you do go with Micro Clover youll definitely need to be careful about what you use for products because many weed killers kill clover, as do many weed and feed products. These attract earthworms, which help keep the soil loose (and, therefore, in need of no aeration) and reduce thatch buildup. To sow a clover-only lawn, utilize these steps below (3): While over-seeding an already existing lawn is possible, it isnt as effective as removing the lawn first. 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. Not only do clover lawns require less mowing, but they also need less watering than most grasses. Water two time daily to keep the soil surface wet for the first two weeks. Is there a low growing grass to add to the mix? Dear Sarah, In that setting, it is only utilized for 2 crop years before removal. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Live Love Fruit. Compared to white clover, a common part of lawns in the past, microclover has smaller leaves, grows lower to the ground, and doesn't grow in clumps. No Mowing: as mentioned above, micro clover doesnt require mowing, and if you do choose to mow, it doesnt have to be as often as a grass lawn. If youre unsure how much water to use, test your soil using a moisture meter and adjust accordingly. Will you sow your seed at 100% or mix with other plants for a blended look. Limiting nitrogen runoff is a goal of theMaryland Lawn Fertilizer Lawas part of broader efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay. Because clover is a legume, it takes nitrogen from the air and transfers it into the ground, where the gas improves nearby plants and soil quality. This clover should be planted on well-drained soils. Here's how: Locate a mature plant that has an offshoot branched out from it. While the supply still hasnt caught up to the demand, we were able to source a limited supply for the 2020 growing season and are happy to say its back in stock. What Can Be Sprayed on Mold That Will Not Kill Grass or Hurt Animals or Humans? Native to the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asia, it may not thrive in areas prone to extremely high or low temperatures; however, it does well in nearly all kinds of soil. Clover's deep roots help your lawn stay greener, longer during short-term drought conditions and requires less frequent watering than some traditional grasses. Is there a legitmate difference in Miniclover vs Dutch White Clover It prevents your lawn from being discolored due to dog patches. However, I live 20 minutes North of Boston and this year my BBU grass was turned into straw. Trifoli. Through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium soil bacteria, legumes are able to transform atmospheric nitrogen gas into an organic form of nitrogen that can be used by plants. Clover seed is highly affordable. Pirouette and Pipolina). Sunday makes it easy to transform your lawn. Clover doesnt require any additional fertilizer either! Clover will also remain green during the hottest months of the year when the rest of your lawn may be turning brown. Decomposing clover roots leave macropores in the soil. Do you know what is causing that? "Lawns and Microclover." Get Free Access Red Clover Red clover has excellent seedling vigor and larger seed than white clover, which facilitates drilling it into existing grass pastures. (Clover will naturally spread over time, so you may not need to try too hard to get more of it.). What is Micro Clover? Microclover ( Trifolium repens L. var. I recommend looking for Trifolium repens var. White clover can tolerate close grazing but persists best if allowed a period to recover. In the strictest sense, all of our cultivated crops are genetically modified through selective breeding practices. The soil pH and fertility needs of the clovers should be met, the seed should be inoculated with good quality inoculum of the proper type, and the seed should be planted properly at the recommended time, rate, and depth. Nitrogen-coated seeds are necessary for sterile or otherwise unhealthy soil. Micro clover lawn pros and cons. The invention of the lawn mower, as well as planned communities designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (the designer of Central Park) and other landscape architects, further cemented the trend in the U.S. There seems to be some confusion about what is Microclover. 1. Your email address will not be published. Save 12% on your order with promo code LAWNCHICK2023. You dont have to tear up your grass lawn in order to grow a clover lawn. Turner, Dr. Thomas. Appearance aside, clover naturally gives back to your soil. Subterranean clover does not yield as well as arrowleaf clover, berseem clover, or crimson clover,but can produce seed under heavy grazing pressure. 11. Copyright 2023. That means more money in your pocket as you save from spending it on lawn care companies to aerate your lawn. Id be willing to try micro clover in my backyard, but Im honestly gun-shy at this point given how badly BBU did this year if what youre saying is that what I have should be drought tolerant. A good way to determine the usefulness of various clovers in a given situation is to simply purchase some seed and make trial plantings. Additionally, moles have an extensive tunnel network, despite repeated trappings. Benefits clovers can provide include improved forage quality, increased forage yield, biological nitrogen fixation, extension of the growing season, soil improvement, and land beautification. They can be established either in autumn or spring in many areas,with most plantings in the northern United States being made in spring, and a higher percentage of autumn plantings occurring the farther south one goes. But first, we need to discuss the difference between clover and micro clover, because there is quite a bit of confusion between the species! I basically just want a really low maintenance thick green lawn thats dense with SOMETHING perennial and highly drought resistant, but I dont know what to plant. Unlike regular Dutch clover, it doesnt grow in clumps, grows more slowly, and is less aggressive at crowding out other plants. More recently, however, gardeners have sought out clover for use in lawns for several reasons: It fixes nitrogen into the soil, thus requiring less fertilizer; it thrives in shady or poorly drained soil, unlike conventional lawns; and its drought-resistant, remaining a nice, cool green in even the hottest climates. Pros and Cons of Micro Clover Lawn | Lawn Model This means it keeps your lawn looking greener and lusher throughout the spring and summer. As we become more conscious of the harmful effects of using pesticides on lawns, we are naturally going to see plants like clover popping up and sticking around. It is quite tolerant of traffic and a natural spreader. The decision to embrace clover includes many factors that each person must consider. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? By Lori Lovely | Published Jun 21, 2022 10:53 PM. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Grass needs nitrogen but must obtain that nutrient from the soil. If you have white clover ground cover, it can appear patchy and bare in heavily traveled areas. Tyler, https://plantscience.psu.edu/reduce-runoff/questions-about-microclover. Microclover also flowers less than white clover, reducing the chances that children (and adults) will suffer bee stings when playing outside. What impact might these diseases potentially have on clover? Reviewed by Dr. Mark J. Carroll, Director, Environmental Science & Policy Program, University of Maryland, April 2019. Once you achieve the size and look youre going for, you can reduce mowing to as little as once per monthor mow weekly for tighter, lower growth and to control blossoming. Clover adds diversity to lawns and provides food for bees. Further, the traditional white clover plant that appeared in lawns tends to form big clumps that suppress desirable grasses. Sow seed at the recommended rate and water well to establish quickly. 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. Coated seeds are more expensive, but they are easier to apply and see in your lawn to understand the coverage youre getting when spreading your seed. By Christa Carignan, Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist, Coordinator, University of Maryland Extension Home & Garden Information Center. Gardeners can also benefit from adding clover seed during aeration, the process of loosening up compact soil to help it breathe. However, a purely Micro Clover lawn is not that popular for one main reason. With Microclover, its possible to overseed a traditional grass lawn with clover without actually noticing the clover. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard youll be proud of. By pulling nitrogen compounds from the atmosphere, and in turn putting that back into the soil, clover acts as a great natural fertilizer. Microclover: Key Features As the name indicates, it's the smallest variety of white clover. Clover, therefore, does the work of a fertilizer, eliminating that additional expense for gardeners. Plant the offshoot slightly below the soil in the desired location and secure the plant by pushing the soil down around it. Soil conditions, expected climatic conditions, and grower objectives are important factors influencing which clovers will be the correct one(s) to plant in a particular situation. The white microclover lawn is very dense, very lush, and very beautiful. Do you still have to treat for grubs with a clover lawn? Might be many opportunities for great photos! I'm looking into overseeding my current lawn with clover for the multiple benefits that clover offers. Microclover Seed: A Grass Lawn'S Best Friend | Nature's Seed Required fields are marked *. ( It will not be turned under as a cover crop.) 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. Great questions Ill try to respond to each below: In my experience micro clover tends to be about 25% more drought tolerant than traditional grass. 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. It produces a high percentage of hard seed, which favors reseeding. Each clover stem will have three small petal-shaped leaves (four if youre lucky!) You won't have to mow a lot due to the clover growth. A clover lawn may be the right choice for your region. Thus, a stand of a perennial clover may contain recently established plants that are less than a year old as well as plants that are more than a year old. 5. In general, it is considered a perennial crop, although some of its longevity may be attributed to its own reseeding capability. Yes, you canafter its established. Homeowners were generally OK with this, however, because clover flowers attract bees, and no one wants a child running across the lawn to get stung. Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. In most situations in which clover is to be grown with a perennial grass, it is preferable to use a perennial clover (if adapted) rather than an annual clover. While dog urine can discolor most grasses, clover isnt affected by it and will remain green and attractive. Sow clover seed at roughly 6 to 8 ounces per 1,000 square feet. In some locations, microclover goes dormant in the winter and wont retain its lush look year round, so blending with other plants can extend your lawns green look. The Ultimate Guide to Fight Inflammation and Restore Your Health! This means that it can cost as little as $1 to seed 1,000 square feet. So I dont really think that Black Beauty Ultra will be more drought tolerant than micro clover, but the drought tolerance may be comparable based on what I saw in my neighborhood this summer. In fact, most herbicides kill clover, so they should be avoided. However, others claim micro clover is more drought tolerant than most grasses due to its root structure. Varieties within a clover species can vary considerably with regard to yield, disease resistance, winter hardiness, and other factors. I happen to be in Winnipeg a well! The most commonly used perennial clovers in the United States are white clover and red clover. Dont forget that there is an option to just dig up parts of your lawn if you so choose. Microclover Lawn Seed - Good Nature Organic Landscape Supply Great for grazing. If clover arrives in your lawn without an invitation, your lawns grass is probably ailing and you need to support your yards soil by top-dressing it with compost, and/or spreading organic fertilizer. People concerned about fertilizer run-off into water sources will be particularly interested in the ecological advantages a micro clover lawn can provide. Due to its low growth profile, it's considered one of the best clovers for lawns. According to West Coast Seeds, sow micro clover seeds densely at 50g of seed per 100 square feet. 2. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Clover Lawn covers 1,000 . 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. Among the benefits of having and maintaining a clover lawn, clover is visually interesting. Microclover is a variation of white clover. But be sure to give your new micro clover a four-week grace period before exposing it to traffic to help it develop a solid root system. A clover-only planting would worry me in regard to its ability to keep the weeds out. Portland landscaper, Max Floyd of Earth, Water & Wood, recommends mixing micro clover with dwarf fescues for an easy care option. How Many Square Feet in a Pallet of Sod on Average? Theyre both dogs, but youre going to pay a lot more for the cute miniature version thats been specially bred. Other aggressive plant foraging wildlife include deer, coyote, bobcat, skunks, racoon, squirrels, possums, mice and voles, and many native birds so their foraging habits need consideration. Yes, definitely. If having micro clover as part of your lawn helps achieve this objective, then its worth considering for many environmentally conscious homeowners. Microclover ( Trifolium repens var. 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. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Clover was actually used widely in home lawns before the 1950s when broadleaf weed herbicides were introduced, according to Pennsylvania State Universitys Department of Plant Science. White clover tolerates cold, but it's a little sensitive to heat. Clover does well even in high heat and prolonged drought conditions. For folks with reservations about mixing clover into their grass lawn, Microclover is more acceptable visually. 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. Would that have been enough for micro-clover in my sunny spots? Keeping dangerous chemicals out of our fresh water streams and lakes is an important task. "Trifolium repens." 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. However, this is more so for regular white clover than micro clover. Ten-pound bags that will cover 5,000 square feet are close to $300. Grab her free lawn care cheat-sheet: What to Do When - Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, or upgrade your garage by browsing her favorite DIY lawn care products. The site is full sun, south facing, with some morning shade. While micro clover was designed for mixed grass/clover purposes, that doesnt mean you cant sow a pure micro clover lawn. However,the characteristics of clover species differ. Keep reading to learn more about clover lawns and whether or not its a viable option for your outdoor space. It can feel overwhelming to do this all at once, so take it in sections. First, Microclover seed is expensive. Carly Fraser has her BSc (Hons.) We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. 11 Important Things to Know About Clover Lawns - Bob Vila RELATED: 15 Natural Pest-Control Strategies for Your Home Landscape. Think a clover lawn is right for you? I reside in NJ down the shore about 2 blocks from the beach and we had a major drought this past summer, so my lawn along with most other lawns in the area turned to straw. Crimson Clover Crimson clover is a dependable, productive annual which has larger seed and better seedling vigor than most clovers. It is a great quality micro clover seed mixed with fescue that blends seamlessly with most lawns. However, as they were picking along, I watched a few of them feeding on red clover leaves.