Plant a clover lawn as an easy-care, drought-tolerant grass alternative.
Instead, homeowners are seeking environmentally friendly lawn alternatives.
As it turns out, clover is one of the best grass lawn alternatives available.
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Heres what you better know to plant and grow a clover lawn.
In the 1500s, lawns were for the livestock of wealthy landowners in Western Europe.
Like any monoculture, it takes a lot of resources tomaintain a perfect carpet of green grass.
Plus, our modern lawns provide little in the way of value for vital pollinators and other wildlife.
All of this is costly, both for your wallet and the environment.
Primarily viewed as a weed in the past, this plant has dominated the lawn alternative movement.
It also grows densely,minimizing weeds without the use of chemicals.
It needs less mowing:Clover is easy to mow but doesnt need mowing often.
After mowing, clover lawns quickly recover and fluff up within hours or days.
If left unmown, clover blooms like crazy withflowers that attract pollinators.
Clover lawns tolerate foot traffic as well as most grasses and dont die back from dog urine.
They also reseed easily, helping to renew themselves andfill in bare spots.
Several species of bees are drawn to white clover flowers.
People with bee and wasp sting allergies should be careful around clover while its blooming.
It grows just 4-6 inches in height while providing all the benefits of regular clover.
Purple and mint-green clover varieties are also available for more color options.
Check with your local extension office about the best options for your local conditions.
In mild winter areas,planting in late summer to early fall is usually preferred.
Wait to sow the clover seeds until youve had a soaking rain, which boosts germination rates.
Ideally, clover should be mixed in with an existing lawn.
Intermixed grass will keep things looking good until then.
Before you plant a clover lawn, check for ordinances or restrictions where you live.
Sometimes, these rules only restrictplanting in the front yardwhile leaving more flexibility in the backyard.
Wateringjust once or twice a weekis usually more than enough in dry summer regions.
Weeding: Keeping your clover lawn free of weeds is essential during the first couple of years of growth.
He also notes that hand-pulling is the best option.
Manyherbicides used on lawnsare broadleaf herbicides that dont kill grass, but kill other plants.
If these products are used on a bee lawn, they are likely to kill the clover.
Wolfin points out that this number is slightly higher than the species found on clover-only lawns.
The perennial clover plants and new ones that grow from their seed appear the following season.
However, cautious homeowners lightly rake the soil where the seeds lie to prevent them from being blown away.
Mowing will keep clover flowers in check.
If left alone, however, clover will bloom in the summer months.
