You need to inoculate clover seed prior to planting. The seed we purchased came pre-coated so we did not have to worry about this step. Inoculation ensures good germination.
I spread the seed using a hand-held seed spreader, but if you have a larger area to cover, the wheeled ones are definitely a better option.
I spread the seed the day after we received flood irrigation because the ground would already be soaked. I also wanted the seeds to germinate before we received flood again, which would have washed away the seed. If you don’t receive flood, you might want to wet the area first.
After spreading the seed, I covered (lightly) with a mix of wood chips, soil, and grass clippings. In retrospect, the grass clippings might not have been the best choice because bermuda and other grasses spread so quickly. However, we didn’t seem to have a huge problem with grass out-competing the clover. I believe starting it in the fall, when bermuda is entering dormancy, was the key to helping the clover become established so it can crowd out the bermuda.
I used a simple, inexpensive sprinkler hooked up to the hose on a timer to keep the area moist for about 10 days.
This clover has reseeded itself and spread to create a beautiful border to our existing lawn. We mow the edge of it and it creates a really nice transition against the block wall that crowds out weeds and provides food for beneficial insects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Buy Clover Seeds” add_button=”left” btn_title=”Buy Clover Seed” btn_color=”green” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.groworganic.com%2Fpalestine-strawberry-clover-rhizocoated-lb.html||target:%20_blank|”]If you’d like to buy Palestine Strawberry clover from the same place we did, consider Peaceful Valley Farm Supply![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How does it do in shady areas, like under pine trees or citrus trees where Bermuda doesn’t like to grow? I’m still looking for something that will grow in the dirt areas of my yard where grasses always die, but weeds occasionally pop up. My husband would love that it stays green in winter (though we’d have to supplement the watering since the flood irrigation stops for 2 1/2 months from early November through mid/late-January.)
Nancy, It does great in sun and shade. We have it growing under and around several mature citrus trees. It sounds like we have very similar flood schedules and we don’t supplement ours with any additional water in the summer or winter now – it just gets flood and rain. I will note that we have a couple of younger trees and shrubs in the general area that get supplemental water, so the clover does get a little of that.
The timing of this article couldn’t have been more perfect! I’m needing some sort of ground cover. I have a patch of grass and Bermuda on the back side of the yard that’s starting to take over. I was at the point of just figuring I was destined to have a Bermuda back yard. Do you think it would work okay to plant it now with plenty of water and mulch. I don’t really have until October to plant it because I’m planning on renting out my place to winter visitors. How many square feet do you think a pound of seed should cover?
Glad we can provide an alternative! It is best sown in Fall or Spring. Perhaps try a really small area right now and see if it will take. The high temps may be an issue with germination, but it is worth a try. Mulching clover seed is not recommended. A light application of garden soil if you are planting now many help. The amount to be broadcast is 1lb of seed per 1000sqft or 12-15lbs per acre.
Perfect! I guess I’ll start with a pound and see how that goes!
Can this be seeded over Bermuda and dichondra?
I’ve had some success with it taking hold in patches over the winter when the Bermuda is dormant. It has spread more over this last winter into the Bermuda lawn area too, but the Bermuda will “fight back” over the summer in any areas where the clover isn’t thick.
Clover sounds like the perfect solution to save water and get green and feed bees and fix nitrogen, etc. Thanks for the article! We don’t do pesticides or any kind of chemical critter control in our yard, so I try to not create habitats where bugs feel at home. We have a small, 80 sq foot patch of grass that I water daily with the hose and at night bugs like to hang out there. I’m thinking watering clover once every 2 weeks instead of daily has got to deter some of those pests. Have you noticed (especially after 9:30pm or so) if your clover is a place where roaches and pill bugs or even scorpions hang out?
Sherri, I think you’re right, the reduced daily moisture could impact pests in the area. We have the perfect storm for pests in our yard, mainly because of the large amount of fallen grapefruit from our mature trees. We have a lot of roaches and scorpions on our walls, which is near the clover patch. However, I don’t believe I notice them congregating around the clover. We’re hoping chickens will help with some of the bugs when they arrive later this summer!