In the right location, clover species such as red clover or meadow clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (Trifolium repens) are quite undemanding ground cover and forage plants. With their flowers in summer they also fulfill an important biological purpose as a supplier of nectar for bees, bumblebees and butterflies.
How can I grow clover properly?
To grow clover, the soil should be slightly leveled and the pH should be between 6.0 and 6.7. Fertilizing with fertilizer containing phosphate and potassium makes sense. Sow from March to May or in August, maximum 1-2 cm seed depth.
Reasons for growing clover
There are various reasons for growing clover. In agriculture, clover is not only used as a fodder plant. It is also planted as green manure because the nodule bacteria on its roots can bind nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil. The types of clover used for fodder cultivation are hardy, apart from extremely cold locations and clear frosts, and can be used for several years. The livestock feed obtained from cutting contains a lot of protein, but clover can even be eaten by humans. Red clover in particular is traditionally used as a natural remedy.
Sowing the clover correctly
When sowing clover, compacted soil does not need to be particularly loosened, as the roots of the clover do this important work anyway. However, the ground should be at least leveled somewhat after the work has been completed. For even sowing, it is recommended to mix the clover seeds with some fine-crumb sowing soil and then spread the mixture evenly over the planned cultivation area. The sowing depth should be a maximum of 1 to 2 cm. So that the clover can overwinter well under the snow cover, sowing should take place no later than the beginning of September. Ideal results are usually achieved by sowing from March to May or in August.
Clover as a lawn substitute
If the lawn in your garden does not want to grow as desired for various reasons, then using clover as a lawn replacement may be the best solution. After all, various factors speak in favor of using clover as a ground cover:
- Clover improves the soil
- also copes with nitrogen-poor soils
- Clover is sure-footed
- blooms persistently from May to October
So that the clover grows optimally in your garden, the pH value of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.7. Fertilization with phosphate and potassium-containing fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) can also be useful.
Tip
Red and white clover also grow in nature on many roadsides and in fodder meadows. However, if you want to use it for consumption and as a medicinal plant, you should rather grow the clover yourself in the garden. So you can be sure that it is free of pesticides and other contaminants.
