Weed Spot Light: Clover
Organic Lawn Care Tips & Information:
If your transitioning to an organic turf care program may be seeing more clover this season than usual.
Clover is more likely to establish during a cool, wet spring when soil temperatures remain in the low 50’s. Certainly, these are the conditions we have experienced this past spring here in central Connecticut. Clover does well when there is not a lot of nitrogen in the soil, and when the grass is thin. This allows light to reach the soil surface and encourages clover to germinate. Clover seeds have a hard coat, because of this they can survive the soil for long periods of time until soil conditions are right to germinate.
Related: Why Choose Organic Lawn Care?
On a historical note, in the 40’s and 50’s clover was commonly interspersed with Kentucky Bluegrass and maintained together in a healthy lawn. With the advent of multiple herbicides in lawn treatments that cannot discriminate, clover has been tossed into the weed category. In actuality, clover is beneficial; it is a legume that is able to fix nitrogen out of the air providing the surrounding turfgrass with needed nitrogen would not otherwise be able to access. The roots can be extensive and contribute significantly to the levels of organic matter in the soil.
Related: 10 Tips For A Great Organic Lawn
Remember, Organic Fertilizer + Soil Amendments + Cultural Practices = Healthy turf
As soil conditions improve and natural nitrogen cycling increases,the amount of clover in the lawn will diminish.
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Click below to learn more about organic lawn care and why you should switch today: