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How to Grow an Eco-Friendly Clover Lawn

written by: Jennifer Claerr•edited by: Niki Fears•updated: 1/27/2011

Growing a green lawn with clover isn't difficult to do. With just a small amount of clover seed and some soil, you can fill in the bare patches in your lawn with one of the most eco-friendly plants available.

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    Advantages and Disadvantages of a Clover Lawn

    There are many advantages to having a eco-friendly clover lawn, both for your pocketbook and for the environment. Clover lawns don't require large amounts of water, pesticides or fertilizer to thrive. They stay green and lush with very little maintenance and care. Clover takes nitrogen from the atmosphere and fixes it into the soil. It needs little or no mowing and aerates soil naturally. Thus, a clover lawn naturally fertilizes itself and can also help fertilize other nearby grasses. Since clover has long roots that can reach ground water, it is drought resistant. It also thrives in shady areas where ordinary grass tends to die.

    However, clover stains clothing and attracts bees. It's delicate and doesn't withstand trampling, and thus may not be the best choice for households with young children who often like to play in the yard.

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    Seeding and Growing an Eco-Friendly Green Clover Lawn

    The best time to start a green clover lawn is in spring. Dutch clover, especially white or red Dutch clover, will be the best choice for seeding an environmentally-friendly lawn. You can purchase Dutch clover seeds online or at a nursery. Purchase about a half pound of seeds to seed an average lawn. If the ground is completely bare, rake the soil until it's level. Mix the clover seeds with soil, then spread the mixture evenly across the dead areas of your lawn. Rake the soil and seed mixture to even it out. Then put down about a quarter inch of additional soil. Lightly water the seeded areas daily until the clover begins to germinate. Avoid walking on the clover lawn while the seedlings are getting established.

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    Maintaining a Green Clover Lawn

    After the clover has been growing for about two weeks, cut down to watering it about once a week. Clover requires very little mowing. However, since clover can grow as tall as six inches, you may want to mow it once every few weeks. Clover will naturally reseed itself after becoming established. However, the reseeding will stop after a few years of growth. Thus, you should plan on reseeding the clover lawn manually after about two or three years. It's fine to walk on a clover lawn, but to avoid being stung by bees, don't permit yourself or your children to walk on it barefoot .

    By following these tips, you should be able to grow and eco-friendly clover lawn very quickly, easily and inexpensively.


    Jason Earls, "Plant a Clover Lawn"