Clover Lawns
Clover lawns are a low-maintenance alternative to a traditional lawn made only of typical grasses. They are also more drought-tolerant and require less fertilizer. Here are the steps on how to grow clover as a lawn:
- Prepare the soil. Clover lawns prefer well-drained soil, so you may need to amend your soil with compost or sand if it is too clayey or sandy. Rake the soil to remove any debris and level the surface.
- Plant the seeds. You can plant clover seeds in either the spring or fall. Sow the seeds at a rate of 6-8 ounces per 1,000 square feet. Rake the seeds lightly to cover them with soil.
- Water the seeds. Water the seeds lightly but thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have established themselves.
- Fertilize the lawn. Clover lawns do not require fertilizer, but you may want to fertilize your lawn once a year with a light application of compost.
- Mow the lawn. You can mow your clover lawn as often as you like, but once a month is usually sufficient.
Here are some additional tips for growing clover lawns:
Choose white clover for your lawn. White clover is the most common type of clover used for lawns, and it is the most drought-tolerant.
Avoid using herbicides or pesticides on your clover lawn. These chemicals can kill the clover and damage your lawn.
If you have a lot of weeds in your lawn, you may need to remove them before planting clover seeds.
Clover lawns are a great way to attract pollinators to your yard. Bees, butterflies, and other insects love clover, so you can expect to see more of them in your yard if you plant clover.
The best time to start a clover lawn in zone 7 is in the spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give the clover time to establish itself before the heat of summer arrives. You can also plant clover in the fall, but it may not have as much time to establish itself before the winter.
Here are some specific dates for zone 7:
- Early spring: March 15 – April 15
- Late spring: May 1 – May 15
- Early fall: September 1 – September 15
- Late fall: October 1 – October 15
If you live in a warmer part of zone 7, you may be able to plant clover in the winter. However, it is important to wait until the soil has cooled down to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
Here are some tips for planting clover in zone 7:
- Choose a sunny spot for your clover lawn. Clover does best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. The soil should be loose and well-drained.
- Rake the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches.
- Sow the clover seeds at a rate of 6-8 ounces per 1,000 square feet.
- Water the seeds lightly but thoroughly.
- Keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have established themselves.
The best time to start a clover lawn in each zone in the United States depends on the average temperatures in that zone. In general, you want to start clover seeds when the soil temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here is a table of the best times to start a clover lawn in each zone:
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 15 – May 15 | September 15 – October 15 |
| 2 | March 15 – April 15 | August 15 – September 15 |
| 3 | March 1 – April 1 | July 15 – August 15 |
| 4 | February 15 – March 1 | June 15 – July 15 |
| 5 | February 1 – March 1 | May 15 – June 15 |
| 6 | January 15 – February 1 | April 15 – May 15 |
| 7 | January 1 – February 1 | March 15 – April 15 |
| 8 | December 15 – January 1 | February 15 – March 15 |
| 9 | December 1 – January 15 | January 15 – February 15 |
If you live in a zone with mild winters, you can also plant clover in the fall. However, it is important to wait until the soil has cooled down to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit before planting.
Here are some tips for planting clover in any zone:
- Choose a sunny spot for your clover lawn. Clover does best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
- Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. The soil should be loose and well-drained.
- Rake the soil to a depth of 1-2 inches.
- Sow the clover seeds at a rate of 6-8 ounces per 1,000 square feet.
- Water the seeds lightly but thoroughly.
- Keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have established themselves.
With a little care and attention, you can have a beautiful clover lawn in no time!