Microclover Care In Lawns: A Sustainable Solution for Your Yard

If you’re looking for a sustainable solution to improve the health and look of your lawn, microclover might be the answer. This small, flowering plant is becoming increasingly popular in the world of lawn care due to its numerous benefits. Not only does it help reduce the amount of fertilizer needed, but it also improves soil health and attracts pollinators. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about microclover care in lawns.

The Benefits of Microclover

Before diving into how to care for microclover, let’s discuss why it’s worth considering. One of the main benefits of microclover is that it helps reduce the amount of fertilizer needed. The plant has nodules on its roots that fix nitrogen from the air, which means it can provide up to 1/3 of the required nitrogen for your lawn. This not only saves money on fertilizer costs, but it’s also better for the environment since excess nitrogen can leach into groundwater and cause pollution.

A close-up of microclover flowers

Additionally, microclover improves soil health by adding organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. This can lead to improved water retention, better nutrient availability, and increased soil biodiversity. Another benefit is that microclover provides habitat and food for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. This is especially important in today’s world where pollinator populations are declining.

Microclover Care

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of microclover, let’s dive into how to care for it. Fortunately, microclover is relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. Here are some tips:

Planting Microclover

Microclover can be seeded alone or mixed with grass seed when establishing a new lawn. If you’re adding microclover to an existing lawn, it’s best to overseed in the fall or spring when temperatures are cool and there’s plenty of moisture. You can either broadcast the seed or use a slit seeder to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. It’s important to keep the area moist until the seeds germinate, which can take one to three weeks.

A lush lawn with microclover

Mowing Microclover

When mowing your lawn, it’s important to set your mower blade at a higher setting to avoid cutting the microclover too short. Aim for a height of 3-4 inches, which will help shade out weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Avoid mowing when the soil is wet, as this can damage both the microclover and the soil.

Fertilizing Microclover

One of the benefits of microclover is that it requires less fertilizer than traditional lawns. However, it’s still important to fertilize your lawn to ensure it stays healthy. Aim for one application of fertilizer in the spring and another in the fall. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a low phosphorus content to avoid runoff and pollution.

A bee pollinating a microclover flower

Controlling Weeds

Another benefit of microclover is that it can help suppress weeds. However, if weeds do appear, it’s important to control them before they become established. Hand-pulling or spot-treating with an herbicide can be effective, but be sure to choose a product that won’t harm the microclover.

Microclover is a sustainable solution for homeowners looking to improve the health and appearance of their lawn while also reducing their environmental impact. By planting microclover, you can save money on fertilizer, improve soil health, and provide habitat for pollinators. With proper care, microclover can thrive in your lawn and provide numerous benefits for years to come.

microclover, lawn care, sustainable landscaping, eco-friendly yard, pollinator habitat, soil health