When to Plant Micro Clover

Micro clover is a type of clover that is commonly used as a cover crop or ground cover in lawns and gardens. It has a number of benefits, including improving soil health, reducing the need for fertilizers, and controlling weeds. If you're thinking of planting micro clover, it's important to know the right time to do so. In this article, we'll discuss when to plant micro clover and some other important considerations.

Choosing the Right Time

The best time to plant micro clover is in the spring or fall. Spring planting should be done as soon as the soil temperature is above 42掳F (5.5掳C). This is usually in mid-April in most regions. Planting in the fall should be done 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost, which is usually in October or November.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting micro clover, it's important to prepare the soil properly. The first step is to remove any weeds or debris from the area where you want to plant. You can do this by hand, digging them out by their roots or with a hoe. Then, rake the area to smooth it out and break up any clumps of soil.

If your soil needs some extra help, you can add in some organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Micro clover thrives in soil that is rich in organic matter, so this will help it establish better. Avoid adding too much nitrogen as this can cause the clover to grow too fast, reducing its effectiveness as a ground cover.

Planting Micro Clover

To plant micro clover, you can either sow the seeds directly into the soil, or you can mix them with sand or soil and spread the mixture over the area you want to plant. If you're sowing the seeds directly, sow them at a rate of 3-4 lbs per acre. This will give you a good coverage without overcrowding.

It's important to keep the soil moist after sowing the seeds until the clover has established. This will usually take about 2-3 weeks. During this time, water the area regularly and avoid walking or disturbing the soil while the clover is growing.

Maintaining Micro Clover

Once your micro clover has established, it's important to care for it properly to ensure it thrives. This means watering it regularly, especially during dry spells, and mowing it regularly. Make sure to set your mower at a high setting to avoid cutting the clover too short, which can stress the plants and reduce their effectiveness as a ground cover.

It's also a good idea to fertilize your micro clover occasionally if the soil is not rich in organic matter. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid overstimulating the plants.

In Conclusion

Planting micro clover is a great way to improve the health of your soil and reduce the need for fertilizers and weed control. By choosing the right time to plant, preparing the soil properly, and caring for the plants properly once they have established, you can enjoy the benefits of this low-maintenance ground cover for years to come.